The Dallas Cowboys’ season finale against the Washington Commanders is not just about football. It’s a test of the team’s leadership and stability. The future of coach Mike McCarthy, coordinators Mike Zimmer and Brian Schottenheimer, and special teams coordinator John Fassel hangs in the balance.
McCarthy, who has been under pressure throughout the season, will face his biggest challenge yet as he tries to contain Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. The coaching staff’s futures are uncertain, with each of their contracts set to expire at the end of the year.
The Cowboys’ approach to McCarthy’s job security has been unusual, with owner Jerry Jones making it clear that he would consider significant changes in 2025 if the team doesn’t produce results. While McCarthy has expressed his desire to finish the season and evaluate his own performance, many question whether he will be able to lead the team to a successful outcome.
The team’s lack of cohesion and consistency has been evident all season, with many players and coaches facing scrutiny over their performances. Despite this, support for McCarthy has remained strong from within the organization, including quarterback Dak Prescott and former coaches Troy Aikman and Jimmy Johnson.
As the Cowboys prepare for Sunday’s game, it’s clear that nothing will provide a data point that doesn’t already exist – the playoff failures are on the table, and the team showed fight when chances were slim. The coaching staff’s fate is uncertain, but one thing is certain: the next week will be crucial in determining the future of the Cowboys’ leadership.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6032797/2025/01/02/cowboys-coaches-future-mike-mccarthy-zimmer-fassel