Jerry Jones is looking at SEC head coach as Mike McCarthy's future hangs in the balance, speculates NFL Insider

Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, is known for his unique approach to running his NFL team. He is often overly involved in the team's football operations, which has had mixed results. The Cowboys had a disastrous year this season. After three straight 12-win seasons, the Cowboys went 7-10 and missed the playoffs.

As a result, there are rumors that Jones will let coach Mike McCarthy go. He will not need to fire him because his contract expires on Wednesday. However, the Cowboys have retained exclusive negotiating rights with McCarthy until Tuesday and denied him permission to interview with the Chicago Bears.

On Thursday, insider Mike Greenberg speculated on "Get Up" why Jones could have denied the Bears' request to interview McCarthy.

"But I'm speculating, recklessly perhaps," Greenberg said. "The way this makes sense is if Jerry Jones has someone in mind that he wants to see if he can get and if he can't get that person, he still wants Mike McCarthy.

Well, what is the big thing that happens between now and January 14th? Steve Sarkisian's season might end, and he might get the opportunity to have that conversation before the exclusive window."

Amid interviews that Jerry Jones could be interested in hiring him, Steve Sarkisian's focus is on the Cotton Bowl

While Greenberg believes Jones could be interested in hiring Sarkisian, he will not get to speak to him until after the Cotton Bowl. Sarkisian's Texas Longhorns will compete against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET to determine the National Championship finalist.

Both teams failed to win their conference championships, with Ohio State not qualifying for the game. However, both teams find themselves in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Ohio State reached this point after defeating Tennessee 42–17 in Round 1 and Oregon 41–21 in the quarterfinals.

Texas' path has been more tumultuous. After a 38–24 win in Round 1, the Longhorns needed to go to double overtime to defeat Arizona State 39–31 in the quarterfinals. It will be interesting to see how these two teams stack up against each other on Friday.