ESPN's Todd Archer reported on Thursday that McCarthy was adamant about agreeing to a five-year contract extension with the team. However, owner Jerry Jones apparently was stuck on a three-year deal. Both sides couldn't agree on a deal, although the details of the contract the Cowboys offered McCarthy are unknown.

The 12th-winningest head coach in NFL history will reportedly spend 2025 focusing on the 2026 hiring cycle. It’s a tactic he’s used before.

Mike McCarthy's tenure with the Dallas Cowboys came to an end in part because he couldn't agree to terms on a new contract, but it hadn't been clear until