- Bednarz: Jerry Jones denies Bears’ interview, looks like McCarthy is here to stay
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy calls a time out on the sidelines during a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
The Chicago Bears’ pursuit of a new head coach took an unexpected twist this past week when they requested to interview Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. The Bears, looking to replace their leadership and reset their culture, focused on McCarthy’s experience and track record. But the Cowboys quickly turned down that request, igniting speculation about what this means for both franchises and, more intriguingly, what Jerry Jones, the enigmatic owner of the Cowboys, has in mind.
On Sunday, after the Cowboys’ final game of the season, Jones addressed reporters with his signature blend of candor and calculated vagueness. When asked about his coaching staff’s future, he stated he wouldn’t mind if any of them interviewed for other opportunities. All of Dallas’ coaching contracts are expiring, and Jones seemed to imply he valued loyalty and commitment—he wants coaches who truly want to be in Dallas. However, his words left a crucial question unanswered: Would he actually allow his coaches to entertain offers elsewhere?
By Tuesday, the answer became clear. Despite more than 24 hours of silence, the Cowboys officially denied the Bears permission to speak with McCarthy. While this is within their rights—teams can block interviews with their head coaches if those interviews are not for a general manager position—it’s a move that raises eyebrows. Is Jones merely protecting his turf, or does he have grander plans for the Cowboys’ immediate future?
To me, and to many others, it feels like Jones is moving forward with keeping McCarthy despite a tough 2024 season. The season’s woes aren’t necessarily on McCarthy; a lot of injuries are the reason why the Cowboys missed out on success. However, there needs to be clarity moving forward regarding the coaching staff for there to be success in Dallas.
McCarthy’s tenure in Dallas has been polarizing. When he was hired in 2020, the expectations were sky-high for a coach who had previously led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory. His three seasons with the Cowboys, however, have been marked by inconsistency. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, they’ve also faltered in key moments, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether McCarthy is the right man to lead America’s Team back to glory.
Jones’ decision to block the Bears’ inquiry suggests that momentum is building for McCarthy’s return. If Jones were contemplating a coaching change, granting the Bears’ request might have been a strategic way to facilitate McCarthy’s departure without outright firing him. Instead, the denial signals that Jones sees value in keeping McCarthy in Dallas, at least for now.
For the Bears, the rejection is a reminder of the challenges they face in finding their next leader. Chicago is a storied franchise with a passionate fan base, but it has struggled to maintain relevance in recent years. The team’s coaching vacancy represents a pivotal moment for the organization, and their interest in McCarthy underscores their desire for an experienced, battle-tested leader to guide them out of mediocrity.
As for Jones, his decision to retain McCarthy—assuming that’s the plan—will be met with mixed reactions. Some will applaud the stability, while others will question whether it’s a sign of complacency. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Jerry Jones over the years, it’s that he thrives on keeping everyone guessing. By blocking the Bears’ request, he’s sent a message that the Cowboys’ future remains firmly under his control.
Whether McCarthy can reward that faith and lead Dallas to the promised land remains to be seen. But for now, the saga has added another layer of intrigue to the offseason, leaving fans of both the Cowboys and the Bears wondering what’s next in this high-stakes game of NFL chess.
