Jerry Jones Admits Big Cowboys Regret Amid Mike McCarthy Uncertainty
The Dallas Cowboys' vastly overwhelming 2024 season ended with a thud on Sunday, as this team fell short in the closing moments once again. That reoccurring theme has been a hallmark of the Mike McCarthy era, which has the former Super Bowl champion in true limbo as the Cowboys consider whether or not to bring him back in 2025.
While reflecting on McCarthy's time in Dallas to this point following Sunday's loss, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones surprisingly admitted how he may have hurt the head coach with his decisions.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones when asked about having regrets about the roster he provided Mike McCarthy and the coaching staff:
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 5, 2025
"I think that's fair. I think that's very fair. I always provide the roster for the coaches. If you don't get there then you've always got some…
Jones was directly asked if he regrets giving McCarthy and his coaching staff flawed rosters, and the owner shockingly seemed to agree. He called the assessment "fair," noting that if a team doesn't perform up their standards, that prompts some "second-guessing" about his choices as Dallas' chief decision-maker.
It's honestly refreshing to see Jones be honest about his contributions as the Cowboys' de facto GM, and his shortcomings. Some see Jones remaining in this huge position of power as a pure ego display, but these comments show he can be critical about his performance instead of seeing past any faults.
Jones' admission very well could be good news for McCarthy, who's stated he undoubtedly wants to return next season. After all, if Jones thinks it was mostly roster-building that's to blame, then that takes much of the blame off of the head coach, who was dealt a poor hand while fighting for his job.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said he "absolutely" wants to be back. He and Jerry Jones will get together in the "near future."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 5, 2025
"I have a lot of confidence in myself as a head coach. ... I'm definitely in position with Jerry to move the program forward. There's no question about…
No matter if McCarthy stays or goes, improvement from Dallas' front office is paramount heading into a crucial offseason that will determine of the Cowboys get back to contention anytime soon. The team's poor handling of cap flexibility, combined with an unwillingness to spend on top-level free agents, have put this squad in this position to be out of the playoff picture.
Paying out massive extensions to the likes of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs makes it clear Dallas intends to be a top threat in the NFC. Yet, it's the moves around the margins that need to be executed at a high level, or the Cowboys could be headed for another losing season no matter who's the HC in 2025.
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