“Takes up a lot of your headspace” – Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy reveals why he’s having trouble sleeping

Mike McCarthy was hired by the Dallas Cowboys to take over as their head coach ahead of the 2020 NFL season, replacing Jason Garrett. He has experienced some success in his new position, leading the team to the NFL Playoffs in two of his three seasons. The one year he missed out on the postseason was his first in Dallas when Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending ankle injury.

The 2023 NFL season will be McCarthy's fourth year as the Cowboys head coach, but his first as their play-caller. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was fired by Jerry Jones at the conclusion of the 2022 NFL season. Moore has served as the only play-caller in all three years, with McCarthy being the head coach. For the first time as a Cowboy, McCarthy will be taking over the responsibility in 2023.

Mike McCarthy discussed his added role in the Cowboys' overall scheme for the upcoming 2023 season during the offseason owners meetings:

“I don’t sleep as well as I did prior to (taking over the play-calling). I’m sure I’m talking in my sleep more than I ever have, but that’s how it always was. It takes up a lot of your headspace.”

While Mike McCarthy has never called offensive plays for the Cowboys, he does have experience doing so in the past. He served as the play-caller for the Green Bay Packers during the majority of his 13-year run as their head coach.

His play-calling helped Aaron Rodgers win two NFL MVP awards, while also leading the Packers to win a Super Bowl ring in the 2010 season.

The Cowboys have their sights set on being Super Bowl contenders for the upcoming 2023 NFL season. Making changes at the play-caller is one of several important moves Jerry Jones has made during the offseason in an effort to get his team over the hump.

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Mike McCarthy's role is one of several major changes for Cowboys in 2023

Mike McCarthy

Mike McCarthy taking over as the offensive play-caller is part of a series of major changes that Jerry Jones made during the 2023 NFL offseason. In addition to parting ways with Kellen Moore, he also released superstar running back Ezekiel Elliot during the free agency period. This helped give them the flexibility to add two significant veteran upgrades in the trade market.

Jones landed a star player on each side of the football via trade. He acquired Stephon Gilmore to pair with Trevon Diggs in their defensive secondary, while also pairing Brandin Cooks with CeeDee Lamb in the passing game. Jerry Jones hopes shaking things will get him back to the Super Bowl, which has evaded him for nearly 30 years.