As the Dallas Cowboys’ season winds down, head coach Mike McCarthy’s future with the team remains uncertain. With his contract set to expire at the end of the year and the Cowboys failing to secure a playoff berth, there is no guarantee that team owner Jerry Jones will extend his tenure in Dallas.
While McCarthy’s fate with the Cowboys hangs in the balance, his coaching pedigree and connections around the league may offer him opportunities elsewhere. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the New Orleans Saints could emerge as a potential landing spot for McCarthy if he parts ways with Dallas.
Saints Connection Could Open the Door
Breer highlighted McCarthy’s past ties to the Saints organization and general manager Mickey Loomis as key factors that could make him a candidate for the head coaching position in New Orleans.
“Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is a name to consider in New Orleans, with his contract up in Dallas,” Breer wrote. “Familiarity will be a factor for the Saints (which positions Lions DC Aaron Glenn well there) too, and that’s another box McCarthy checks. He was together with GM Mickey Loomis over Loomis’s first five years in New Orleans, when McCarthy was Jim Haslett’s offensive coordinator there.”
Breer also noted that McCarthy recently hired agent Don Yee, who represents former Saints head coach Sean Payton. This connection could further bolster McCarthy’s candidacy for a return to New Orleans.
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McCarthy’s Coaching History in New Orleans
McCarthy’s relationship with the Saints dates back to his tenure as their offensive coordinator from 2000 to 2004. During his time in New Orleans, McCarthy helped develop an offense that laid the groundwork for the team’s future success. After leaving the Saints, McCarthy had a brief stint as the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive coordinator before landing the head coaching job with the Green Bay Packers, where he achieved significant success, including a Super Bowl victory in 2010.
Given the Saints’ struggles under current head coach Dennis Allen, who was fired after a 2–7 start in 2024, a proven, offense-minded coach like McCarthy could provide stability and leadership for a team in transition.
Mixed Results in Dallas
McCarthy’s tenure with the Cowboys has been a mixed bag. Despite achieving three consecutive 12–5 seasons from 2021 to 2023, the team’s postseason performance has been underwhelming, with only a single playoff win during his time in Dallas. This lack of playoff success has been a sticking point for fans and analysts, though Jerry Jones has consistently defended McCarthy’s leadership.
Jones’ loyalty to McCarthy may still lead to a contract extension, but if the Cowboys decide to move in a different direction, McCarthy’s resume makes him a strong candidate for other NFL openings.
Saints’ Potential Interest
The Saints, who bottomed out under Dennis Allen, may view McCarthy as a stabilizing force for their franchise. With a veteran roster and questions at quarterback, the team could benefit from McCarthy’s experience in developing offensive systems and managing high-pressure situations.
If McCarthy were to take the helm in New Orleans, he would inherit a team looking to rebuild its identity. His familiarity with the Saints organization, coupled with his track record as a Super Bowl-winning head coach, makes him an intriguing option.
The Road Ahead
While the possibility of McCarthy landing with the Saints is speculative, it underscores the broader uncertainty surrounding his future. For now, the ball is in Jerry Jones’ court. If the Cowboys decide to move on, McCarthy’s connections and experience could ensure he doesn’t remain out of work for long.
Whether McCarthy stays in Dallas or begins a new chapter in New Orleans—or elsewhere—his next move will likely shape the trajectory of both his coaching career and the team he leads.
