Cowboys owner Jerry Jones provides insight into firing HC Mike McCarthy

After declining the Chicago Bears's request to interview Mike McCarthy for their head coach vacancy, the common consensus was that the Dallas Cowboys planned on retaining his services.

However, the team shockingly announced they were parting ways with their coach on Monday. Owner Jerry Jones released a statement via the Cowboys's social media accounts to thank McCarthy for leading the team for five years and explained why he let the head coach leave. It read:

"Over the past week, Mike and I had the opportunity to conduct a joint review of all aspects of the past season, our players and staff, and also spent considerable time discussing the road forward for the team. These discussions were thorough and received an appropriate amount of time and depth to cover. Prior to reaching the point of contract negotiations, though, it became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction."

Mike McCarthy landing spots: Veteran HC to be among most coveted candidates

Mike McCarthy's departure from the Cowboys was an unexpected development in the NFL's head coach carousel. Six teams were hunting for a new coach at the end of the regular season. Over the weekend, the number dropped to five after the New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel, one of the most coveted candidates.

However, McCarthy's entry into the fray will stir up the market. The Bears, who were already interested in hiring the now-former Cowboys coach, will interview him and likely hire him if they fail to land Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson who is on the wishlist of several teams looking for a new coach.

However, the Bears will have to move quickly as the New Orleans Saints are also keen on hiring McCarthy as their new coach. While he'll have little to no trouble finding a new job after his exit from the Cowboys, it remains to be seen whether he fills one of the vacancies or goes on a hiatus and waits for a better opening in a year.