Jerry Jones Gives 1st Comments on Cowboys' Split From Mike McCarthy

Over the last couple of weeks, it looked increasingly more likely that the Dallas Cowboys and Mike McCarthy would continue working together. Jerry Jones was overly complimentary of the job McCarthy had been doing and the noise around a new head coach was surprisingly nonexistent. The reporting out of Dallas seemed to suggest that there was mutual interest in a contract extension.

Things took a shocking turn on Monday. First, it was revealed that the sides hadn't been negotiating at all. Then, it was reported that there wouldn't be an extension for McCarthy. In the afternoon, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones released an official statement about the situation.

Cowboys News: Jerry Jones Makes First Remarks on Mike McCarthy's Exit

In his remarks, Jones continued to be complimentary to McCarthy. Praising the work he has done in Dallas, Jones said the former Cowboys head coach has led the team through challenging times.

"Throughout Mike McCarthy's tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done. That has applied to our record over that time period, our team unity and culture, Mike's qualifications and track record of success, and on a personal level as a tremendous human being."

- Jerry Jones

Jones added that he and McCarthy have been meeting over the past week to talk about the 2024 season and outline a map for the future of the organization. He revealed that those discussions made it clear that the two sides weren't seeing eye to eye. Before they were even able to negotiate the details of a contract, they decided to go their separate ways.

"Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction."

- Jerry Jones

Jones' use of the word "mutual" in his statement leaves the door open for questions about whose decision it ultimately was to end the negotiations.

Even though it didn't happen the way Cowboys fans were hoping for, this is likely the best decision for the organization. A fresh start was needed for both sides and more likely than not, the Cowboys will not regret the decision to start anew.

More Cowboys news and rumors: