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Chase Daniel, a former NFL backup quarterback turned media personality, recently shared a bold theory on FS1 regarding Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy. According to Daniel, Jones might offer McCarthy a contract extension, only for McCarthy to decline and instead pursue the head coaching vacancy with the Chicago Bears. While intriguing, Daniel's "hot take" has stirred debate and raised eyebrows, as many find it riddled with flaws.
Daniel stated, "People don't realize that Mike McCarthy is actually a free agent and can sign anywhere." This claim, however, seems questionable. Who exactly are these "people"? Most sports fans and analysts are well aware of McCarthy's contract status.
Furthermore, Daniel's suggestion that McCarthy might not want to return to Dallas isn't entirely outlandish in the transient world of coaching. As a coach who has worked in nine different locations over 18 years, McCarthy considering a tenth stop wouldn't be shocking. Yet, McCarthy has built a life in Dallas over the past five years, even purchasing two homes in the area, which complicates the idea of him leaving.
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Daniel also argued that McCarthy "knows the division well," referencing his time coaching the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North. However, it's been seven years since McCarthy left Green Bay, and he's now spent five seasons in the NFC East with Dallas. His familiarity with the NFC North may no longer be as relevant as Daniel implies.
Are fans ignoring McCarthy's free agency status?
The claim that McCarthy "develops QBs almost better than anyone" is another point of contention. While McCarthy has undoubtedly helped quarterbacks improve, Daniel's assertion lacks nuance. For example, Daniel implied that McCarthy "made" Dak Prescott into the quarterback he is today. Yet Prescott's accomplishments before McCarthy's arrival tell a different story.
In 2019, under former Cowboys coach Jason Garrett, Prescott threw for 4,902 yards with 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while adding three rushing touchdowns. Even as a rookie in 2016, Prescott threw for 3,667 yards with 23 touchdowns and only four interceptions, leading Dallas to a 13-3 record. While McCarthy has contributed to Prescott's growth, it's clear that Dak was already an accomplished player before his arrival.
Daniel's points about McCarthy being "a leader" are valid but don't necessarily connect to why he would leave Dallas. Ultimately, much of this speculation seems premature, as no serious discussions about McCarthy's future with Jones have been reported.