“Hope was lost” - Cowboys legend Michael Irvin outlines harsh reality of Mike McCarthy era

Dallas Cowboys legend Michael Irvin outlined a harsh reality to fans after the Mike McCarthy era ended on Monday. Jerry Jones announced the team had decided to part ways with McCarthy.

It was a bit of a surprise that Dallas didn't retain McCarthy after reports that the two sides were discussing a new deal. However, they couldn't reach an agreement and they decided to part ways.

Cowboys legend Michael Irvin said it was time for Dallas to part ways with McCarthy.

“I’ve always said it was time," Irvin said on Speak on FS1. "This is my first year since coming in the league and really watching the games with fans. It worked out that this year I spent a lot of time with fans watching these games. There was hope lost. You could see it. I’m just happy for the new direction and the energy that will go to the new direction."

McCarthy had been the head coach of the Cowboys since 2020. He ended his tenure going 49-35 and made the playoffs in three of his five years but lost in the wild-card round twice.

Jerry Jones and the Cowboys thank Mike McCarthy

After Jerry Jones announced the Dallas Cowboys would be parting ways with Mike McCarthy, he thanked the coach in a statement.

“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," Jones wrote in a statement.

"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. I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and their family the best."

The Cowboys will now be looking to hire a new head coach after parting ways with McCarthy. Dallas has been linked to Deion Sanders who is the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes.

Along with Sanders, CBS Sports' Jared Dubin believes Dallas could also be interested in the likes of Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Todd Monken, Brian Flores, Joe Brady, Liam Coen, and Anthony Weaver, among others.

Dallas will have the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.