Mike McCarthy Reportedly Rejected Cowboys' Proposed Succession Plan
By now, Dallas Cowboys fans are accepting the fact that Mike McCarthy won't be behind the bench for the 2025 NFL season. The Cowboys announced on Monday that they won't be re-signing the former Super Bowl-winning coach after leading the team to a 49-35 record across the last five campaigns.
Details have emerged about McCarthy's split from the Cowboys in the last few days. One report reveals that the 61-year-old allegedly rejected a succession plan involving one of the franchise's former players.
Cowboys Rumors: Mike McCarthy Rejected Succession Plan
On Tuesday, NFL Network’s Jane Slater reported that the Cowboys wanted former tight end Jason Witten to be McCarthy's successor.
"It’s been my understanding that Jerry (Jones) has talked to (Witten) in recent weeks and I do believe that he was part of a plan that Jerry initially had when he was going to bring back Mike McCarthy," Slater said. "I think the plan there was to make him an heir apparent of sorts."
A lot to unpack here. Been on the phone non stop here is what I’ve gathered from Deion to Witt to Kellen. Jerry is currently on a solo mission. No official interviews or calls even placed to some. Here is what I have gathered for you. #CowboysHCSearch pic.twitter.com/9OzVVwy7Cz
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) January 15, 2025
With Witten lacking both NFL and collegiate coaching experience, the hope was that he could learn under McCarthy's guidance. The recently dismissed head coach didn't like that plan though, forcing the two sides to depart in opposite directions.
"McCarthy sort of surprised him by deciding that he wanted to end these conversations, pursue something else," Slater added. "Now we’ll see if Jason Witten will still be in play here."
Although McCarthy wasn't unanimously loved across the Cowboys fanbase, it isn't hard to see why he wasn't enamored by Jones' plan. If Slater's report is to be believed, the eccentric billionaire essential said, "Stick around for a few years to train your inexperienced successor before we kick you to the curb."
Few coaches would accept that unless they're planning to retire.
With the McCarthy Era officially in the rearview, Dallas will continue searching for his replacement. On top of Witten, fellow former Cowboy Deion Sanders has been linked to the coach opening, as have names like Robert Saleh, Kellen Moore, and even Jon Gruden.
It remains to be seen who'll be the 10th head coach in Cowboys history. Whoever it ends up being will be under an immense amount of pressure as they attempt to guide the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory in 30 years.
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