JANUARY 9: McCarthy is viewed as more likely to stay in Dallas than move on, according to some close to the situation (via ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler). The former Super Bowl winner could push his way to the market by not agreeing to a deal, but for now, it does not appear the Cowboys are keen on merely letting their five-year HC walk.
JANUARY 8: The situation in Dallas continues to be fairly tenuous. After early reports indicated that Cowboys owner/president/general manager Jerry Jones was undecided about keeping head coach Mike McCarthy in his current role, the newest intel from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport indicates that the two sides want to continue working together, they just need to find an agreement that works. 
McCarthy’s contract expires on January 14, making it an easy decision to cut off communication for two weeks if either side wishes to opt out. Instead, Rapoport points to a number of supporting factors like the fact that the two sides are in constant communication or that Jones denied the Bears permission to interview McCarthy. Rapoport does note his opinion that the Bears denial was a performative gesture, acknowledging McCarthy’s leverage in the negotiations.
Per Rapoport, the sides appear to want to work something out. He believes that it’s just a matter of figuring out the right length and compensation in the contract, though those talks have yet to begin. The remaining discussions to be had will center around everyone’s continuing role and what things will look like moving forward, as the status quo has certainly led to disappointment.
This delay and back-and-forth of performative gestures may serve both Jones and McCarthy as they seek the best terms for themselves, but ultimately, it could prove damaging to the Cowboys organization as a whole. While McCarthy is still under contract for a little less than a week, Clarence Hill Jr. of All City DLLS points out that the team’s assistant coaches are officially free agents. The employees can continue working alongside McCarthy and continue being paid as at-will employees, but they are out of the office until Monday, and their phone lines are open.
Per Hill, those phones are ringing. Hill reported that candidates who are being interviewed for open head coaching positions have already started reaching out to Dallas’ assistants about joining their prospective staffs. As Jones and McCarthy continue to flirt with the idea of a new contract, their assistants may be slipping out from beneath them for other, more solid opportunities.
McCarthy deserves better than this trash owner.
Mccarthy will walk, if jerry cared this would be done already
Jerry is just delaying in hopes the coaching vacancies get filled so he can bring McCarthy back cheaper.
Jerry is delaying so he can make an announcement during a playoff game.
Walk Mike ! How hilarious will that be ?
Jerra conducting business as usual
McCarthy wont walk … he knows there is talent on this roster but Jones is being ridiculous. Either give him another deal or let him interview for other chances. I feel the Bears will hire him, if available. Johnson would want too much control or money but we will see.
The Bears interest has Jerry panicking….very funny.
Mr. Jones can safely be considered an eccentric owner. But really, how hard can this be. Either McCarthy is the guy moving forward or he isn’t. If Mr. Jones thinks McCarthy is the guy then get it done. If not, then look for another head coach. This can certainly backfire into a real mess for the Dallas organization. Most of the coaching staff in on expiring contracts as well. Not a real favorable look for Dallas to incoming candidates if it gets to that point. As far as the Bears. I believe McCarthy goes to the top of an already long list of candidates.
The owner is getting up there in age. He doesn’t have time for a revamp to unfold and mature. Just like he did with the QB position he will go with familiarity in choosing the head coach. McCarthy stays. Yes? No? Maybe? Can u blame him?