Jerry Jones and Mike McCarthy sat down to talk Tuesday. Later in the day, the Cowboys denied Chicago’s request to interview McCarthy for its head coaching vacancy. The two are related, based on what two people with knowledge of the impending discussions told The Dallas Morning News after the Bears made their request.

This is what Cowboys purgatory looks like. Mike McCarthy’s job with the team is very much undecided with his contract expiring in less than a week. But as ESPN reported Thursday, the “future” was on the table during a recent discussion between the Super Bowl-winning coach and team owner Jerry Jones.

Much has been made on sports talk shows and among other NFL pundits about the supposed ‘mess’ that is the Dallas Cowboys handling of the Mike McCarthy head coach question. There is plenty of talk about Dallas mistreating Mike McCarthy by not making a decision,

Mike McCarthy has often been the fall guy for this Dallas Cowboys team. This offseason, he could send a message back to Jerry Jones and Co. if he plays his cards right.

Mike McCarthy will have several options if he doesn't return to the Dallas Cowboys, with the head coach being linked to another NFC team not named the Bears.

McCarthy guided the Cowboys to just one playoff win over five campaigns, but his teams went 12-5 each season from 2021-23 before a noteworthy injury crisis impacted the club this past fall.

What Cowboys’ denial of Bears’ interview request indicates for Mike McCarthy, Jerry Jones - David Moore, DMN. Insiders deny any friction between Jerry Jones and Mike McCarthy.