Former 85-win Cowboys HC explains "critical" situation where Jerry Jones could hesitate bringing back Mike McCarthy

Former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett commented on what he believes Jerry Jones will consider before deciding whether to bring back Mike McCarthy for another year. The current Dallas manager is in the last year of his contract and even though he has presided over three straight playoff seasons, they are going to miss out in 2024.

To add further insult to injury, the Philadelphia Eagles have confirmed their postseason berth, and the Washington Commanders look very likely to join them. To see two divisional rivals vying for the Super Bowl when the Cowboys won the NFC East last year will be disheartening for Jerry Jones.

Jason Garrett pointed that out, saying on NBC before Dallas hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,

“I don’t think Jerry Jones has made up his mind yet. I think he’s going to evaluate these last three games and make a decision from there. There was an assumption coming into this season that McCarthy’s future would be based on playoff success. They’re 6-8, out of the playoffs, and the team has regressed."

However, the former Cowboys head coach, who won 85 games in his tenure (second only to Hall-of-Famer Tom Landry for most wins in franchise history), also noted Mike McCarthy could still lead the team to a winning season. If they win in the final three weeks, they will finish with a winning 9-8 record. That could sway Jerry Jones' decision in his favor, according to Garrett, who said,

"So I see these last three games as critical. If they win three to go 9-8, and end on a strong note, I could see them continuing. But if they lose three against tough opponents and finish 6-11, I think that’s a harder sell to the Dallas Cowboys’ fan base.”

Jerry Jones' treatment of Jason Garrett gives us some clues about Mike McCarthy's Cowboys future

Jason Garrett was in the final year of his contract in 2019 and finished with an 8-8 record. Jerry Jones decided not to renew his deal and instead hired Mike McCarthy.

Right now, the best the Cowboys can finish is 9-8. That is essentially the same as Jason Garrett's record in his last season as Dallas' head coach since the regular season only had 16 games at that time. Mike McCarthy is also in the final year of his contract. If Jerry Jones decides to do with the incumbent what he did with his predecessor, then his mind might already be made up.