Mike McCarthy, the former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, has made a significant decision regarding his coaching career. After years of being an influential figure in the NFL, McCarthy has chosen to step back from coaching for the upcoming 2025 season and instead focus his attention on preparing for the 2026 hiring cycle. This announcement marks a major shift for McCarthy, who has long been a prominent presence in the NFL, and it raises a number of intriguing questions regarding his career trajectory and the future of the league.
McCarthy’s decision comes as a surprise to many, considering his established reputation as a coach and his relatively recent tenure with the Cowboys. McCarthy took over the Cowboys’ head coaching position in 2020 after a lengthy and successful run with the Green Bay Packers, where he led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2010. During his time with Green Bay, McCarthy became known for his offensive expertise and ability to develop quarterbacks, particularly his work with future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. His departure from the Packers after the 2018 season marked the end of a long era, but McCarthy quickly rebounded with a high-profile job in Dallas.
While McCarthy’s first few years with the Cowboys have seen some success—he has managed to make the playoffs and lead the team to a strong regular-season record—there have been ongoing questions about his ability to take the Cowboys to the next level. The team has remained a contender in the NFC East but has struggled in key moments, particularly in the postseason. This has led to widespread speculation about McCarthy’s future, with some analysts suggesting that the Cowboys may part ways with him sooner than expected.
However, instead of immediately looking for a new opportunity in 2025, McCarthy has decided to focus on long-term career planning. The 2026 hiring cycle presents an opportunity for him to reevaluate his approach to coaching, assess potential openings, and strategically position himself for a more desirable role in the future. This decision allows McCarthy to spend the upcoming year sharpening his skills, evaluating his past experiences, and reflecting on the lessons he’s learned over the course of his coaching journey.
For McCarthy, this may also represent an opportunity to focus on personal growth and development. The NFL coaching landscape is notoriously demanding, with long hours and high pressure, often leaving little room for introspection or self-improvement. By stepping away from coaching duties in 2025, McCarthy can afford himself the time and space to reflect on his career, refine his coaching philosophy, and develop new strategies that will help him succeed in future endeavors.
Additionally, McCarthy’s decision to pause his coaching career for a year may open up new opportunities for him in other aspects of the game, such as media, broadcasting, or consulting. With his extensive experience and insights into the game, McCarthy could easily transition to a role as an analyst or commentator, offering expert opinions on NFL games and trends. His voice would undoubtedly be an asset to any network, and such a position would also give him more time to assess potential job openings in the coming years.
While McCarthy’s decision to step away from the NFL coaching scene for the 2025 season is certainly unexpected, it may ultimately benefit him in the long run. The 2026 hiring cycle could offer him a fresh start, with new opportunities to lead a franchise and further solidify his legacy in the NFL. Whether McCarthy returns to coaching with a renewed sense of purpose or transitions into a new phase of his career, his decision is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the importance of strategic planning in a coach’s career.