Mike McCarthy issues statement following dismissal of six Cowboys staff members

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy released a statement on Thursday along with the team’s official announcement of six non-renewals on the coaching staff. The Dallas skipper also has a press conference scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Thursday to further address all the various staff changes.

“We thank these men for their hard work, dedication and contributions to the Cowboys,” McCarthy said. “Each of them represented our team and organization at a high, professional level with class and commitment to making our team better.

“These were difficult decisions to make because of the great respect have for each of them as a coach and person of character, combined with the experiences we’ve all gone through together. This is the hardest part of the business and we wish them nothing but the best.”

Cowboys opt to move on from six staff members

Reports revealed on Wednesday that five assistant coaches would not have their contracts renewed and news of a sixth broke on Thursday. The Cowboys confirmed all six dismissals on Thursday morning.

Initial reports on Wednesday revealed two key exits – senior defensive assistant George Edwards and running backs coach Skip Peete.

Further reports on Wednesday indicated that offensive line coach Joe Philbin, defensive line assistant coach Leon Lett and assistant head coach Rob Davis are also leaving the organization.

Offensive assistant Kyle Valero leaves the team after nine years on staff in varying roles. Valero mainly worked with receivers as a member of the quality control group.

Coaches still under contract past the offseason, according to Archer, are Mike McCarthy, Dan Quinn, Kellen Moore, John Fassel (ST), Joe Whitt Jr. (pass game coordinator), Al Harris (DB), Jeff Blasko (asst. OL), Robert Prince (WR), Rayna Stewart (asst. ST), Harold Nash (strength), Lunda Wells (TE), and Aden Durde (DL).