The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to part ways with head coach Mike McCarthy this week has sparked mixed reactions, with franchise stars Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons expressing disappointment. The team announced McCarthy’s departure on Monday after contract extension negotiations reportedly broke down over the length of the deal, reported by ESPN.
McCarthy’s five-year tenure with the Cowboys concluded with a 7-10 season, which fell short of expectations. Despite leading the team to three 12-win seasons, his 1-3 playoff record remained a sore spot.
“Bummed, because we built some things,” Prescott texted ALL DLLS’ Clarence Hill on Monday. “But I guess they couldn’t reach an agreement. SMH. It’s the business. I look forward to the future plan.”
Parsons, speaking on his podcast The Edge on Tuesday, echoed the sentiment and acknowledged the significant impact of McCarthy’s exit.
“He’s always been good to us as a unit. … Losing a great coach like Mike hurts,” Parsons said. “But it’s going to be a very interesting offseason. It’s gonna be a complete reset. So it’s going to be very interesting and challenging, but I trust my owner, I trust our GM. … I trust that we’re gonna make the right decisions.”
Parsons’ reaction is notable, as he previously downplayed concerns about McCarthy’s future during the season. In November, he told Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein, “That’s above my pay grade [whether] Mike is coaching again next year. … Coaching, Mike can leave and go wherever he wants. Guys I kind of feel bad for [are veteran right guard] Zack Martin and guys who might be on their last year or on their way out.”
The coaching change has sparked broader concerns among those close to the team. Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, who won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys, expressed surprise at the decision.
“I thought Mike McCarthy would be the head coach, so this is a bit of a surprise for me today that he’s not going to be. … It suggests that there’s not a real plan,” Aikman said.
Team owner Jerry Jones is now tasked with finding a replacement for McCarthy. While he has already spoken with Colorado coach Deion Sanders, it remains unclear who will take the reins. The decision will shape a crucial offseason for a team eager to return to Super Bowl contention.
As the Cowboys move forward, the fallout from McCarthy’s departure underscores the challenges of navigating a high-profile franchise with lofty expectations. For now, Prescott, Parsons, and others are left grappling with the uncertainty of a complete reset.