Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is entering the final year of his deal, and many are amazed that he has even lasted this long with Jerry Jones.
After the Cowboys suffered yet another disappointing playoff exit last winter, the general consensus was that Jones would move on from McCarthy. However, Jones opted to keep the veteran coach around for at least one more year.
So, how does McCarthy being on a lame duck contract affect Dallas heading into 2024?
Jones actually views it as a positive.
“Absolutely, I do. I really do,” Jones said, via Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. “There’s no question in my mind that angst, pressure, competing will bring out the best in this game from coaches and players. But … this game has to have some extra [fire] over the guys that you’re in front of [on the field]. That’s why I’m kind of amazed at someone talking about the job they’re doing without a contract. Blows my mind.”
McCarthy has registered three straight 12-win campaigns with the Cowboys, so it’s not like he has been a total failure in Dallas. But for a franchise that is measured by postseason success and has not made it to the NFC Championship Game in nearly three decades, the pressure is mounting for McCarthy.
Do the Dallas Cowboys have a legitimate shot of making a run in 2024?
Last season appeared to be Dallas’ best shot of making a Super Bowl run in quite some time. The club looked dominant at times during the regular season, going a perfect 8-0 at home.
However, the Cowboys proceeded to get routed by the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
The problem is that Dallas didn’t really make any major additions this offseason, and it was largely criticized for it.
There is no doubt that the Cowboys are still supremely talented, and they just ensured that CeeDee Lamb will be on the field in Week 1 by handing him a massive contract extension.
But can Dallas compete with teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions in what is a rapidly improving NFC?
It remains to be seen.
One thing is for sure: this is almost certainly Mike McCarthy’s last chance with Jerry Jones. If the Dallas Cowboys fail in the playoffs again this year (or perhaps even miss the playoffs entirely), they will probably be searching for a new head coach next offseason.
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