The Dallas Cowboys are running out the clock. At least it seems that way.
Head coach Mike McCarthy is under contract with the Cowboys until Jan. 14, but that doesn’t mean other organizations aren’t interested in prying the coach away from ‘America’s Team.’ The Chicago Bears put in a request to interview the Dallas coach, something that was ignored up to this point like a text you had no desire to answer.
After 24 hours of deliberation, the Cowboys denied the Bears’ request, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
While McCarthy hasn’t been given permission to speak with other teams, he is also notably marching toward a deadline. The Cowboys still haven’t decided whether to proceed with the coach, meaning Chicago could come swooping in next week if McCarthy shakes free.
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He would become a free agent when the exclusive negotiating window closes, though Dallas would likely want a definitive answer before the Jan. 14 decision day.
The delay could prove costly for McCarthy’s ability to land another job if Dallas moves on, but the coach should benefit from a coach hiring season that expects to move slowly.
Despite the uncertainty, McCarthy has been fairly successful with the Cowboys, reaching the playoffs in three of his five seasons at the helm. A flawed roster that was ravaged with injuries doomed the team this year, notably finishing the season without quarterback Dak Prescott.
Dallas, in the meantime, will continue to debate its coaching situation and then inform McCarthy of his fate. As for the Bears, they’ll be left in limbo if that’s their candidate of choice.
Until a decision is finalized, Chicago can proceed with an interview request list that includes Mike Vrabel, Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn and many more.
Then they can always add McCarthy if the Cowboys break up with him.
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