Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones says he and former coach Mike McCarthy mutually agreed that the team needed a new coach in 2025 and that McCarthy needed a new job in 2025.

Jones released a statement saying he and McCarthy – whose contract was due to expire tomorrow – had spoken since the end of the season and ultimately agreed he would not return.

“Throughout Mike McCarthy’s tenure here, including the last few weeks, I have highly praised the work he has done,” Jones said. “This applies to our record over this period, the cohesion and culture of our team, Mike’s qualifications and track record and on a personal level as a great person.” I have great respect for Mike and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times.

“This past week, Mike and I had the opportunity to reflect together on all aspects of the past season, our players and staff, and also spent a lot of time discussing the team’s path forward. These discussions were thorough and given an appropriate amount of time and depth. However, before contract negotiations began, it was clear to everyone that it would be better for each of us to take a different path. I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and their family all the best. You have been a wonderful part of our community here. We will begin the search for the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys immediately.”

McCarthy will now become a free agent and is expected to be a candidate for head coaching vacancies in Chicago and New Orleans and perhaps elsewhere. And the Cowboys will now start looking for a coach who can lead them to the Super Bowl as the first in 30 years.