The Dallas Cowboys officially put an end to the Mike McCarthy era, with former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer being elevated to the new head coaching position. Bringing a different vision and personality to the table, Schottenheimer has received a ton of praise in the ensuing months.
While the final judgement will depend on the way Dallas fares during the season, so far, he has done an incredible job, with players responding exceedingly well. However, in his adoration of the new head coach, safety Juanyeh Thomas took an unintentional shot at former McCarthy, before taking to social media to clear the air.
Juanyeh Thomas Shuts Down Mike McCarthy Controversy
Through OTAs and training camp, Schottenheimer has been a lively presence, improving the vibes of the entire Cowboys organization. As a result, Thomas posted a picture with his new head coach, captioning it, “Fun again.”
Fun again. pic.twitter.com/w7c5xmZ45M
— Juanyeh Thomas (@STG_Yeh1) May 24, 2025
Unfortunately, some people took it the wrong way. Shane Taylor of Inside The Star even broke down the message as a clear distinction between the bond of the players with McCarthy and Schottenheimer.
Going so far as to claim, “Clearly, these guys are having a heck of a better time with Brian as the head coach than they did with Mike McCarthy,” his comments did not go over well with Thomas. Claiming that the message was misconstrued, he explained on X.
“Let’s get this clear. Still talk to Mike till this day. I love him to death. There is no jab at all. First coach to believe In me , point blank period,” he wrote. As an undrafted free agent in 2022, it was McCarthy who first brought Thomas into the fold.
Let’s get this clear. Still talk to Mike till this day. I love him to death. There is no jab at all. First coach to believe In me , point blank period… https://t.co/v74HUFr3dt
— Juanyeh Thomas (@STG_Yeh1) May 31, 2025
While he became a member of the final roster the following season, he has become a constant part of their plans. In his career, he has already totaled 36 tackles, five pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a touchdown, thanks to an onside kick return against the Washington Commanders in Week 12 of the 2024 season.
The head coach in Dallas for five years, McCarthy led them to the playoffs three times, winning 12 games each. Last season, with Dak Prescott suffering a season-ending injury, the year went awry, ending in just seven wins.
With contract negotiations not yielding any fruit, eventually Dallas decided to move on from the former Super Bowl champion in favor of Schottenheimer. Before the Cowboys, McCarthy was the head coach of the Green Bay Packers for 13 years during the prime of Aaron Rodgers.
