Add the Cowboys to the list of teams in the market for a new head coach as Mike McCarthy will not return for a sixth season in Dallas according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

McCarthy’s contract is up on Tuesday and he had been talking with the team about a new deal, but one did not come together.  According to Pelissero, the length of the contract was the obstacle to coming to an agreement.  The Cowboys were willing to retain him but only on their terms.

McCarthy was 49-35 during his time with the Cowboys. He had three straight 12-win seasons from 2021-2023, but only won one playoff game over that span and the Cowboys slumped to 7-10 amid a number of injuries during the 2024 season.

The Cowboys had blocked McCarthy from interviewing with the Bears about their coaching vacancy, but McCarthy will now be free to meet with them or any other team interested in giving him his third chance to run the show in the NFL.  Given his track record, he could find several teams bidding on his services if he wants to coach in 2025.