Jerry Jones, the general manager and owner of the Dallas Cowboys, told reporters at the Senior Bowl on Tuesday that he decided to retain Mike McCarthy as his head coach because of the way quarterback Dak Prescott has performed under McCarthy in recent years.
According to Nick Harris of the Cowboys website, “We’re right at a key spot with Dak,” Jones stated. Since Mike has been here, Dak has improved, and I believe that improvement will continue. As for Dak’s progress with Mike, there’s more to be gained. That is supported by the evidence. It all makes sense to bring [McCarthy] return because there is still more work to be done and more progress on Dak, which affects many other things we’re doing right now with the choices we’re making.”
In addition to being recognized as a finalist for The Associated Press’ 2023 NFL Most Valuable Player Award, which will be presented at the “NFL Honors” ceremony on February 8, 30-year-old signal-caller Jones was also praised last week by legendary Dallas quarterback and Hall of Famer Troy Aikman for having kept Prescott and McCarthy together. After the Cowboys’ 48-32 home wild-card loss to the Green Bay Packers on January 14, McCarthy has a 1-3 postseason record with Dallas. This has led to rumors linking the team with former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
On Tuesday, Jones emphasized that he didn’t need to “talk” himself into continuing to support McCarthy.
“I felt good during the year with the job that Mike was doing,” Jones stated. “The group was reacting effectively. That Green Bay game was one we didn’t win, and we were all disappointed. All of us had visions of far better than that. However, we can still use some of the items there.”
It’s interesting to note that Jones made a suggestion that McCarthy won’t be forced to coach in the last year of his deal. It is anticipated that the Cowboys would sign Prescott to an extension this offseason in order to reduce his 2024 salary-cap burden.
