Report: Cowboys update Mike McCarthy on job security entering 2022

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy put together a tremendous regular-season performance in 2021, only to fall incredibly short of expectations in the playoffs, leading to some speculation regarding his future with the franchise. However, consistent with what owner and general manager Jerry Jones has said publicly, McCarthy has been told that he will remain with the Cowboys for the 2022 season — despite the rumor mill gaining steam after Sean Payton stepped down, according to USA Today.

Payton’s 15-year run with the New Orleans Saints came to a close earlier this week, though it wasn’t tied to performance or retirement. Instead, Payton stepped down — and is expected to take a year away from football before mulling over his future — thus ending his career with the Saints. Many linked Payton to the Cowboys’ job, given that he amassed a 152-89 overall record in 15 years at the helm and won a Super Bowl in 2009.

Payton effectively shot down claims that he’d coach next season; still, Cowboys fans wondered whether he could potentially be a candidate in Dallas, given newfound questions about McCarthy’s future.

“I get it. I understand it,” Payton said when asked if he plans on coaching elsewhere next season. “My plans are not to be coaching in 2022. That’s just how I feel.”

McCarthy was given reassurance by the Cowboys well before Payton stepped away, according to USA Today. He had conversations with management after the Cowboys’ disappointing 23-17 wild-card loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and after Payton stepped down, he received the same guarantee that he will be retained in 2022.

Michael Irvin reveals if he would pick Sean Payton or Mike McCarthy as head coach

Sean Payton stunned the NFL world on Tuesday when he announced he was stepping away as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

While rumors have swirled about Payton’s future plans and close ties to the Jones family and Dallas Cowboys, it’s all speculation and rumors as of now.

But on Wednesday, one of the biggest legends in Cowboys’ franchise history chimed in on Sean Payton as an upgrade over Mike McCarthy in Dallas.

“Here’s the difference that you have to understand that I think puts Sean Payton above it all,” Irvin said on 105.3 The Fan.

” Look at the success that Sean Payton had without his best players, without Michael Thomas, without Drew Brees, he still keeps them competitive. They beat the champs twice this year without his best players! That’s what we’re talking about!”

Irvin then gave a blunt yet damning assessment of the current Cowboys’ coaching staff while he continued to praise the now former Saints’ coach.

“Without our best players, we lost every darn game,” Irvin added.

“That’s just reality. We lost every darn game. I had a stuffed animal on the show as an emotional support doll! Are you joking? That’s what I’m talking about!”

By the end of the rant, it became abundantly clear how Irvin feels about Payton vs. McCarthy when it comes to head coaches.

“Sean Payton is an upgrade. I’m just going to be real.”

On3’s Sean Labar contributed to this report.