Dak Prescott advocates for Mike McCarthy to return as Cowboys HC in 2025

Dallas Cowboys (5-7) quarterback Dak Prescott publicly spoke out Tuesday in support of head coach Mike McCarthy, whose contract with the team runs out after the 2024 season.

Prescott, speaking on a Zoom in partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods, said he believes “wholeheartedly” in McCarthy, adding that he “definitely deserves another contract.”

As per @JoriEpstein .. Dak Prescott wants Mike McCarthy back as the coach next year..

Buckle up. When your franchise QB openly says this, Jerry is going to have a serious conversation about it.

Let's see how they finish. pic.twitter.com/wABlDBWx5Z

— Dave Sturchio (@DaveSturchio) December 3, 2024

“I believe in him wholeheartedly,” Prescott told Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports. “I don’t want to necessarily get into the nuts and the screws of it all obviously. But I think he definitely deserves a chance — another contract and a chance to coach this team amongst more influence. ‘On his terms’ may be a good way to say it.

“But I wholeheartedly believe in him.”

McCarthy, 61, is in the final year of a five-year contract he signed with the organization ahead of the 2020 season. He has led the Cowboys to three playoff appearances and two NFC East division titles. Dallas, however, has just one postseason victory to show for it. A five-game losing streak following a 3-2 start to the season didn’t seem to help McCarthy’s cause, though Dallas has responded with two consecutive wins.

Injuries have certainly been a factor in the Cowboys failing to meet expectations, as Prescott, linebacker Micah Parsons, receiver Brandin Cooks, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, right guard Zack Martin, left guard Tyler Smith, cornerback Trevon Diggs and cornerback DaRon Bland among others have all missed time. Prescott’s hamstring injury was season-ending, leading to Cooper Rush starting the last four games.

Jerry Jones not ruling out contract extension for Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy

Prescott said he feels “helpless,” unable to contribute on the field to help save McCarthy’s job.

“Your coach seems like he’s playing on his last contract and [I’m] almost feeling helpless like I can’t help him in this situation. Especially a guy you believe in so much and you believe in being your head coach,” Prescott said. “Control what I can control, help and support Mike to every extent that I can.”

While McCarthy’s seat appears to be as hot as it’s been, team owner Jerry Jones hasn’t ruled out an extension for the Super Bowl-winning head coach.

“I don’t think that’s crazy at all,” Jones said last Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan, via Todd Archer of ESPN. “That’s not crazy. Listen, Mike McCarthy is an outstanding coach. Mike McCarthy has been there, done that. He’s got great ideas. So, the bottom line is in no place in my body language or anything else have you seen an indication about what we’re doing to be doing relative to this staff at the end of this year. And we shouldn’t.

“We’ve got a lot of football left.”