Cowboys fans in shambles over Jerry Jones' latest Mike McCarthy decision: "We are screwed" 

For months, it seemed like the 2024 NFL season would be Mike McCarthy's final year as the Dallas Cowboys' head coach. He entered the campaign with only one year left on his deal with the franchise and owner Jerry Jones did not give him any assurances about the future or offered him an extension during the season.

On the field, the Cowboys, who were expected to make the playoffs at the bare minimum, were woeful. They finished the campaign with a 7-10 record, five wins worse off than last season. Given how poorly the season went, the consensus was that the franchise would part ways with McCarthy. However, that seemingly isn't the case.

On Tuesday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Jones blocked the Chicago Bears from interviewing McCarthy for their vacant head coach role.

Cowboys beat reporter Jon Machota of The Athletic believes it was a clear message from the franchise that they intend to retain his services for the upcoming season and beyond. Some fans on social media, however, weren't too pleased about the update:

Some fans claimed that no coach can lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl win as long as Jones is in charge.

"There's one problem in the franchise. Jerry Jones," @Chas_Hayden20 said.

"Jerry Jones loves people he can control. He loves being middle of the road even when he says he wants to win a Super Bowl. That’s why he gave Dak a big contract. That’s why Jason Garrett was a coach for as long as he was," @T1DSportsDad opined.

"I just don’t understand why [Jerry Jones] can’t f**king do anything right. It’s always the wrong f**king thing," @MJO316x added.

Mike McCarthy's Future: Cowboys have a week to decide

Despite Jerry Jones claiming that Mike McCarthy is free to talk to other teams, the Cowboys owner and general manager reportedly declined to let him interview with the Bears, seemingly outlining his intent to keep him at the franchise.

The 82-year-old will presumably continue declining interview requests until McCarthy signs an extension with the franchise. However, it's a maneuver he can bank on only for another week. The veteran head coach's current deal with the team will expire on Jan. 14. He'll then be free to interview for any head coaching vacancy.

Jones has seven days to decide whether he wants to retain McCarthy, discuss terms with him and hand him an extension. If they don't, he could be looking for greener pastures elsewhere.

Do you think the Dallas Cowboys should retain Mike McCarthy as their head coach for next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.