Mike McCarthy addresses possibility Sunday is final game as Dallas Cowboys coach

Mike McCarthy understands that Sunday could be his last day as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. While speaking to reporters on Thursday, McCarthy was asked about the game against the Washington Commanders potentially being his last in Dallas.

“I’ll be honest with you, I go to the stadium much earlier this time in my career than I used to,” McCarthy said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. “I won a Super Bowl in that home locker room at AT&T Stadium. “So I have a very strong emotional attachment that it hits me every time I walk in there and every time I walk out. So, yeah, I’m definitely aware of it. I’m not thinking about it right now, but, yeah, I’m definitely in tune with that.”

The 2024 season has been rough for McCarthy and the Cowboys. After starting the year 3-2, Dallas lost the next five games and could never recover. The Cowboys have been playing better football lately, winning four of their last six games. But the team is eliminated from playoff contention, and it’s the first time since 2020 that the Cowboys will not play in the postseason.

McCarthy has been the Cowboys head coach for the last five seasons. He has won two NFC East titles and led the Cowboys to the playoffs three times. But during that stretch, the Cowboys just won one playoff contest and did not reach the NFC Championship game.

Mike McCarthy firing rumors began earlier this season

The rumors of McCarthy being fired began earlier in the season when the Cowboys fell to 3-3 on the season. At the time, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shut down the rumors of McCarthy being replaced.

“I haven’t considered that and I’m not considering that hypothetical,” owner and general manager Jerry Jones said, per the Cowboys’ official website. “Just so we’re clear, I’m not considering it. Do you think I’m an idiot? OK then, well I’m not going to hypothetical with you about what I’d consider for a coaching change, or timing. I’m not at all.”

McCarthy joined the Cowboys after spending time as the Green Bay Packers head coach from 2006 to 2018. During his time in Green Bay, the 61-year-old led the Packers to six NFC North titles, four NFC Championship game appearances and a Super Bowl win during the 2010 season.