The Dallas Cowboys head coaching saga took another twist as franchise icon Jimmy Johnson aligned with owner Jerry Jones to support head coach Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys are a disappointing 4-7 in what could be McCarthy’s final season under his current contract.
Speculations about his future are coming by the second. Despite a 36-24 win over the Washington Commanders, NFL fans and analysts are split on whether McCarthy will lead America’s Team moving forward.
Jimmy Johnson Is on Team Mike McCarthy at the Moment
During an appearance on FS1’s “The Facility,” Johnson defended McCarthy, saying, “He came down to fish with me last summer. We talked for a long time. He’s a heck of a football coach.”
“He’s a heck of a football coach.”@JimmyJohnson when asked if Mike McCarthy can save his job in Dallas pic.twitter.com/tUaNZgXUf8
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) November 26, 2024
This came after Jones said earlier in the day that McCarthy might earn a contract extension, a surprising shift considering Jones’ recent critique of McCarthy’s play-calling.
While Johnson’s comments backed McCarthy, other panelists, including Emmanuel Acho and Chase Daniel, doubted the coach’s ability to save his job. Rumors also swirl about who might replace McCarthy if the Cowboys part ways.
Names like Ben Johnson, Bill Belichick, and Mike Vrabel dominate conversations. Ben Johnson, known for masterminding one of the NFL’s top offenses in Detroit, is a hot commodity.
Meanwhile, Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl champion, can see himself returning to coaching after a year off and has been linked to the Cowboys for months. Vrabel, a former Tennessee Titans head coach, also emerges as a strong contender given his proven track record and current role as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns.
Another possibility involves former Cowboys star Deion Sanders. The Hall of Famer has rejuvenated the Colorado Buffaloes in the college football landscape and could bring his charisma and leadership back to Dallas.
However, Johnson poured cold water on this idea, stating, “I don’t think that will happen. Don’t get me wrong, I love Deion … but his strength is bringing in talent. … I don’t see it happening there in Dallas.”
.@JimmyJohnson doesn’t expect Deion Sanders to take Cowboys job if available:
“I love Deion, but I don’t see that happening.” pic.twitter.com/3BiVXvnod4
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) November 26, 2024
Another thing that is kind of worrying for Cowboys fans now that they have almost lost hope for the 2024 NFL season is the updated NFL Draft order. The Cowboys are outside of the top 10, thanks to their win over the Commanders. They are in 11th, and the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft currently rests in the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Whether Jones sticks with his current coach or turns to a new face to guide the team, the decision will shape the trajectory of one of the NFL’s most popular franchises. For now, McCarthy has one objective: win and keep the critics at bay.