Troy Aikman makes feelings clear on Mike McCarthy's possible return as Cowboys HC in 2025
Mike McCarthy is facing an uncertain future in Arlington amid a regression in the Dallas Cowboys' performance; he's already guaranteed to have his worst record with the team ever since he arrived in 2021. Nevertheless, a franchise legend thinks he will stay despite all the rumors.
Hall of Famer Troy Aikman sat down with 105.3 The Fan on Monday to discuss the head coach's prospects of being retained by Jerry Jones in 2025 and beyond. He called the chances that it would happen 'high,' given the lack of viable candidates besides Bill Belichick and the locker room's continuing support of him:
"Short of Bill Belichick, I don't know who you're going to bring in that has a better resume... I sense that it's a team that really believes in Mike McCarthy. I feel the locker room wants him back. I think he's a really good football coach. I believe Jerry Jones thinks he's a really good football coach, too."
Previously, the Cowboys had gone 12-5 thrice consecutively with McCarthy at the helm, winning the NFC East twice in that span but also not advancing to a conference title game.
Micah Parsons backs Mike McCarthy to remain Cowboys HC in 2025
Speaking of “locker room support”, a good number of players believe Mike McCarthy has been one of the best at getting the most out of them. Star pass-rushing linebacker Micah Parsons can count himself as one of them.
Speaking to ESPN on Saturday, he said:
"I would like a fair shot with everyone back -- players, coaches… Coach Mike, me and his relationship has always been really good. He always took real good care of me."
These echo the sentiments of quarterback Dak Prescott, who told Yahoo’s Jori Epstein:
“I believe in him wholeheartedly. I don't want to necessarily get into the nuts and the screws of it all obviously, but I think he definitely deserves a chance, another contract and a chance to coach this team among more influence.”
Among the candidates linked to the seat is Bill Belichick, who has been dabbling in media since his ouster from the New England Patriots after a career-worst 4-13 record in 2023.