Report: Mike McCarthy to interview with Chicago Bears after parting ways with Dallas Cowboys

Mike McCarthy isn’t wasting any time. Just hours after the Dallas Cowboys announced he would not return as head coach in 2025, McCarthy has an interview scheduled with another team.

According to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, McCarthy will interview for the Chicago Bears’ head coach opening on Wednesday. McCarthy’s exclusive window with the Cowboys ends at midnight on Tuesday, in which McCarthy is then free to seek opportunities elsewhere. Chicago requested permission to interview McCarthy last week, but Dallas declined. Now, nothing stands in the way of Chicago speaking with McCarthy as they aim to replace Matt Eberflus, fired in November. The New Orleans Saints also have interest in McCarthy, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

McCarthy, 61, came into the 2024 season working with just one year remaining on the contract he signed with Dallas in 2020. McCarthy compiled a 49-35 record with the Cowboys, leading them to three consecutive 12-5 seasons and two NFC East titles. Dallas, however, went 1-3 in the postseason under McCarthy. The final straw was a 7-10 campaign after team owner Jerry Jones said the Cowboys were “all-in.”

Of course, injuries played a significant role, with quarterback Dak Prescott, linebacker Micah Parsons, defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence and cornerback DaRon Bland among others missing time. But in the end, that didn’t matter. The two sides couldn’t agree on the contract length of a new deal and decided to part ways.

Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys release statement after parting ways with Mike McCarthy

“Over the past week, Mike and I had the opportunity to conduct a joint review of all aspects of the past season, our players and staff, and also spent considerable time discussing the road forward for the team,” Jones said in a statement. “These discussions were thorough and received an appropriate amount of time and depth to cover.

“Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction. I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and their family the best. They have been a wonderful part of our community here.”