After Parting Ways with Dallas Cowboys, Mike McCarthy Takes a Break from NFL Coaching
Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has decided to take a break from coaching in the 2025 NFL season, choosing instead to focus on the 2026 hiring cycle. McCarthy made this decision following his departure from the Cowboys due to failed contract negotiations. Prior to parting ways with the team, McCarthy interviewed with the Chicago Bears for their head coach opening, but the job ultimately went to Ben Johnson.
The former Packers and Cowboys head coach also received an interview request from the New Orleans Saints for their head coach position, but he withdrew from the process without completing the visit. This means the Saints will now have to look elsewhere to fill their head coaching vacancy.
This isn’t the first time McCarthy has taken a break from coaching after leaving a team. After being fired by the Green Bay Packers in 2018, McCarthy did not take on a coaching role the following season. He returned to the sidelines in 2020 with the Cowboys and went on to accumulate a 49-35 record over five seasons, leading the team to three postseason appearances, but none beyond the divisional round.
Throughout his 18-season tenure as a head coach, McCarthy led his teams to 12 postseason trips, including a Super Bowl victory with the Packers in 2011. As a result, he is considered a strong candidate for the next hiring cycle. For now, the 2025 NFL season will proceed without McCarthy’s involvement.
