Mike McCarthy’s contract with the Dallas Cowboys is up and his time with the team is up.

McCarthy, whose contract expired after the 2024 season, will not return as Dallas coach next season. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the two sides were unable to agree on the length of the contract and decided to part ways. The Cowboys declined the Chicago Bears’ request to interview McCarthy for their open head coaching position last week when contract extension negotiations were believed to be underway. If McCarthy is still interested in the job, he can interview now, assuming the Bears remain interested as well.

The Cowboys finished 7-10 with several blowout losses, including a 41-7 loss to the rival Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 when Saquon Barkley surpassed 2,000 yards rushing this season. McCarthy helped turn things around midway through the season, winning four of five games after falling behind 7-3. But after two defeats at the end of the season, it was time for a change.

The Cowboys entered the season with high hopes, but struggled almost immediately. A season-ending injury to Dak Prescott wasn’t the reason Dallas’ season went south – the Cowboys’ offense struggled with Prescott this season – but other than a late-season surge with four wins in five games Dallas was a mess without its quarterback for the most part.

McCarthy helped the Cowboys win 12 games in each of the last three seasons, but failed to get the team to the NFC Championship Game. Dallas hasn’t reached this point in the playoffs since the 1995 season. Jones stayed the course with McCarthy during the playoff losses, even though there were many voices for Dallas to go in a different direction. Jones remained patient with McCarthy, but the 2024 season quickly went south.

The job with the Cowboys isn’t easy with a few stars taking up most of the salary cap. Prescott will be 32 next season and is coming off a season-ending injury. As a Dallas coach, there are constant distractions. But there is a recent track record in the regular season, and it’s one of the most prestigious jobs in sports.

It will be interesting to see what type of candidates Jones focuses on in his search. Anyone who accepts the job should be better prepared for the pressure that comes with it.