the New Orleans Saints as their new head coach. McCarthy, who spent four seasons in Dallas, leading the Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances but falling short of Super Bowl glory, now looks to revitalize a Saints franchise that is navigating its own post-Super Bowl era. His sudden departure from Dallas marks the conclusion of a highly scrutinized chapter in his career, and the beginning of a new journey in New Orleans.
As McCarthy begins his new role with the Saints, he has taken the time to send a heartfelt message to Jerry Jones, the owner and general manager of the Cowboys. In his statement, McCarthy reflects on his time in Dallas, the lessons learned, and the relationships he built over his four-year tenure with the Cowboys. The message is filled with gratitude and appreciation for Jones’ leadership, but also hints at McCarthy’s readiness for a fresh challenge as he embarks on his new venture in New Orleans.
Mike McCarthy’s Farewell Message to Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys
Mike McCarthy’s tenure in Dallas was a rollercoaster ride, filled with moments of triumph and frustration. When McCarthy was hired by the Cowboys in 2020, many viewed him as the coach who could finally help the Cowboys break their Super Bowl drought. With his Super Bowl-winning pedigree from his time with the Green Bay Packers, McCarthy was expected to take a talented roster, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, and elevate the Cowboys into championship contention. However, despite the regular-season successes, McCarthy’s time in Dallas was marred by playoff disappointments and critical errors in big moments.
In a moving statement released after his hiring by the Saints, McCarthy took the opportunity to thank Jerry Jones and the entire Cowboys organization for the chance to lead the team. His message emphasized respect for Jones’ unwavering commitment to the Cowboys and the NFL, while acknowledging the challenges that came with coaching one of the league’s most high-profile franchises.
Mike McCarthy’s Full Message to Jerry Jones:
“To Jerry Jones,
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Dallas Cowboys for the past four seasons. It has been an honor to be part of this iconic franchise, and I am truly thankful for the faith you placed in me when you brought me in as head coach. I’ve learned so much during my time in Dallas, and the relationships I’ve built with the players, coaches, and staff will stay with me forever.
Jerry, your passion for the Cowboys and the game of football is unmatched, and it has been a privilege to work with you. Your vision for this team and your drive to see the Cowboys succeed has always been a source of inspiration. While we didn’t achieve the ultimate goal, I have the utmost respect for the way you lead this organization. Your commitment to the Cowboys is something I will always admire, and it’s been a privilege to be a part of that.
To the entire coaching staff, the players, and everyone who contributed to the team’s success over the past few years: Thank you. I am proud of the work we did together, and I believe this team is in a strong position for the future. Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and all the players who worked so hard — you all made my job as head coach enjoyable and rewarding. I am grateful for your trust and effort every day.
And to the Cowboys fans: you are the heart and soul of this organization. The passion, energy, and dedication you bring to every game is something I will always cherish. While I am moving on to a new chapter in my career, I will always carry a piece of Dallas with me and continue to root for the success of this great franchise.”
Mike McCarthy’s Legacy with the Dallas Cowboys
McCarthy’s time in Dallas was a period of both promise and frustration. When he replaced former head coach Jason Garrett in 2020, the Cowboys were entering a period of significant change. McCarthy brought with him a wealth of experience and a Super Bowl championship pedigree from his time with the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys were hoping McCarthy would finally help the team break its playoff curse, especially with a roster that featured a young star in Dak Prescott, a dynamic offensive line, and a talented group of wide receivers, including Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb.
In his first season, McCarthy’s tenure was immediately impacted by injuries, most notably the devastating ankle injury to Dak Prescott that sidelined him for the majority of the year. Despite the challenges, McCarthy managed to keep the Cowboys competitive, and while they ultimately finished with a disappointing 6-10 record, the season allowed McCarthy to evaluate his roster and build the foundation for the future.
The following season (2021), McCarthy helped the Cowboys bounce back in impressive fashion. With Prescott healthy and the offense firing on all cylinders, the Cowboys finished 12-5, winning the NFC East. The team ranked among the top offenses in the league, and McCarthy’s ability to work with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore brought out the best in Prescott. The Cowboys also found success on the defensive side, where Micah Parsons emerged as a superstar and the team’s defensive unit became one of the most opportunistic in the league.
However, McCarthy’s tenure was ultimately marred by playoff disappointment. The Cowboys were eliminated in the Divisional Round of the 2021 playoffs by the San Francisco 49ers, a game in which McCarthy’s decisions were heavily scrutinized. A controversial clock-management decision late in the game, as well as a failure to make key adjustments, led to widespread criticism. Despite the team’s strong regular-season performance, McCarthy’s failure to guide the Cowboys past the Divisional Round resulted in increased pressure heading into 2022.
In 2022, McCarthy once again guided the Cowboys to the playoffs, but the team was once again ousted in the Divisional Round, this time by the San Francisco 49ers. Despite a strong 12-5 record and solid performances from Prescott and Parsons, McCarthy’s inability to advance the Cowboys beyond the divisional round led to questions about his future with the team. His departure, while expected by some, marked the end of a coaching era in Dallas that was filled with both promise and disappointment.
The New Orleans Saints: A Fresh Start for McCarthy
For McCarthy, the opportunity to join the New Orleans Saints represents a fresh start after a challenging but ultimately fruitful tenure in Dallas. The Saints, led by Sean Payton for the better part of two decades, are now in a transitional phase after Payton’s departure and the retirement of Drew Brees. While the team has a talented defense, led by standouts like Cameron Jordan and Marshon Lattimore, the Saints have struggled to find consistency on offense. Quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill have shown flashes of potential but remain inconsistent, and the team’s offensive identity has been difficult to define post-Brees.
McCarthy now faces the challenge of building a new offensive system that can complement the Saints’ strong defense while also helping to develop Winston or Hill into a more consistent quarterback. The Saints also have a solid foundation of young talent, including running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Chris Olave, who McCarthy will be tasked with developing and utilizing to their fullest potential.
New Orleans is in a wide-open NFC South division, and with McCarthy’s experience and offensive expertise, the Saints could quickly become contenders again. While McCarthy has never had the kind of quarterback in New Orleans that he had with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, he has an opportunity to build a system that plays to the strengths of whichever quarterback the Saints decide to build around.
The Cowboys’ Search for a New Head Coach
With McCarthy now heading to New Orleans, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are faced with the difficult task of finding a new head coach who can take the team to the next level. The Cowboys have a talented roster, particularly on defense with players like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, and on offense with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and a deep offensive line. However, the Cowboys have not advanced past the Divisional Round of the playoffs in over 25 years, and the search for a coach who can finally deliver a Super Bowl remains a critical mission for Jones.
The pressure on Jones will be immense as he looks for a leader who can unlock the potential of this roster and take the team deeper into the playoffs. The Cowboys’ next head coach will be tasked with guiding a championship-caliber team to the next level, with the weight of Cowboys history and expectations on their shoulders.
What’s Next for McCarthy and the Saints?
As McCarthy settles into his new role in New Orleans, he faces the exciting challenge of rebuilding the Saints into a playoff contender. The team already boasts a strong defensive core and an exciting group of young offensive talent. McCarthy’s experience in high-pressure situations and his success as a Super Bowl-winning coach will be invaluable as he looks to develop a new identity for the Saints.
With McCarthy at the helm, the Saints could quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the NFC South. His work with quarterbacks in Green Bay, including his success in developing Aaron Rodgers into a future Hall of Famer, gives him the tools necessary to help Winston, Hill, or a new quarterback reach their