NFL fans accuse Jerry Jones of holding Mike McCarthy ‘hostage’ as Cowboys owner screens call for HC’s Bears interview

Mike McCarthy signed a five-year contract to be the Dallas Cowboys coach in 2020. With Dallas' 2024-25 season officially over, McCarthy is set to become a free agent if he and the Cowboys disagree on an extension.

With the possibility that McCarthy won't be back with Dallas next season, the Chicago Bears requested to put in an interview with the coach yesterday. The Cowboys have yet to respond to their request.

McCarthy's contract is set to expire on Tuesday, so the Cowboys hold his rights and can block teams from interviewing him until the 14th.

Following NFL insider Adam Schefter's report of the Cowboys not letting other teams interview McCarthy, fans have accused Jerry Jones of holding McCarthy and other teams "hostage" in their coach hiring process.

"Jerry holding this man hostage 😂," one fan said.

Here's how fans reacted on social media:

"Dallas won't respond, wait until his contract expires, and the position is filled. That's Jerry sticking his middle finger out at everyone," a fan wrote.

"The outcome will be interesting to follow, especially with how it might affect both teams' direction in the upcoming seasons," a fan uttered.

Other fans pointed out that Jones may be starting to realize that other teams want McCarthy, so he will possibly try to retain him for next season. Fans are certainly mixed on whether or not they want the coach back for next season, but all can agree that Jones isn't doing any favors for McCarthy.

"Jerry has him under contract until 1/14. There is someone Jerry wants to hire and if he can't get him by the 14th he will extend McCarthy," a fan commented.

"Jerry is worried that McCarthy will go somewhere else and win immediately. Then all the fans would know what really holding the Cowboys back is Jerry Jones and his own decisions," another fan replied.

"Jerry is definitely going to keep him now that he knows other teams are interested in him. Clown show," a fan said.

"The Cowboys ghosting the Bears is hilarious," a fan wrote.

Where will Mike McCarthy coach in 2025?

Mike McCarthy during a match against the Washington Commanders (Image Source: Getty)

As of right now, it is anyone's guess as to where Mike McCarthy will coach next season. As mentioned above, McCarthy becomes a free-agent coach when his contract expires on Tuesday.

There are currently five head-coaching vacancies as the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, the Bears, and the New England Patriots have that void to fill. There could be a few more. The Bears' request to speak with McCarthy still hangs in the air. The coach will be free to talk to teams on his own when his contract expires.

Where do you think Mike McCarthy will coach next season?