Mike McCarthy last coached with the Dallas Cowboys, but is without a job during the 2025 NFL season after being replaced by Brian Schottenheimer. The veteran head coach is now reportedly receiving interest as the new coaching cycle approaches in the upcoming offseason. He has recently been linked to an AFC team that apparently may consider hiring him.
Mike McCarthy’s Rumored Landing Spot in 2026 NFL Head Coach Cycle
McCarthy figures to be a popular name in the 2026 NFL offseason during the annual head coaching cycle. He is one of the most experienced candidates, having won a Super Bowl ring with the Green Bay Packers and made playoff appearances with the Cowboys.
Jonathan Jones recently reported that McCarthy could potentially be a candidate to be hired by the Tennessee Titans, who fired Brian Callahan during the 2025 NFL season. He explained why he makes sense for the franchise and also named some of the other potential options they may be considering.
“I would anticipate Chiefs OC Matt Nagy and former Packers and Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy to get long looks in Tennessee based off their relationships with Titans GM Mike Borgonzi (Nagy) and president of football operations Chad Brinker (McCarthy). Defensive coordinators like Jeff Hafley (Packers), Chris Shula (Rams) and Jesse Minter (Chargers) have been expected to get interview slips as well, according to sources,” reported Jones.
The Titans have struggled to a 3-12 record this year, which contributed to their decision to fire Callahan; however, a disappointing rookie campaign from Cam Ward is likely among the most significant factors behind their decision.
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He currently ranks just 43rd of 46 qualified quarterbacks in PFSN’s QB Impact Rankings and has essentially failed to meet his massive expectations.
Ward was selected with the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and was quickly named the Titans’ starting quarterback. Their significant investment in him makes his development one of their top priorities in the near future, which is likely to play an essential role in their search for a new head coach.
McCarthy has a history of working with successful quarterbacks, including Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott, which could be attractive to Tennessee as they seek the right coach to pair with Ward.
As Jones pointed out, he also has a previous connection to the director of football operations, Chad Brinker, who is expected to contribute to their efforts to fill their current vacancy, which could give him an inside track to the job.
