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Mike McCarthy explains why he has no ill will towards Dallas Cowboys

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones4 hours agobrianjones_93

Mike McCarthy is not angry about how things ended with him and the Dallas Cowboys. While appearing on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, McCarthy explained why he’s not upset with the Cowboys letting him go after the 2024 season.

“Like a lot of things in life, you live and learn,” McCarthy said. “I think that carrying wasted negative energy is not something I really want to engage in at this point of my life. I’m very thankful for my 30-plus years in this league. Going back to the Kansas City Chiefs, Marty Schottenheimer, Pat Schottenheimer for that opportunity. New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, and obviously the Dallas Cowboys.

“That’s not lost on me. It’s probably even more so because I’m in reflection now. When you are able to step away from it, your appreciation goes up even more. Yeah, I root for those guys. I’ve known Brian Schottenheimer since he’s been in high school.”

Mike McCarthy was successful as the head coach of the Cowboys and Packers

McCarthy was the Cowboys’ head coach from 2020 to 2024. In his five seasons in Dallas, McCarthy led the team to two NFC East titles and three playoff appearances. He was let go after the Cowboys finished with a 7-10 record in 2024.

“Throughout Mike McCarthy’s tenure here, including the last several weeks, I have been very complimentary of the job he has done. That has applied to our record over that time period, our team unity and culture, Mike’s qualifications and track record of success, and on a personal level as a tremendous human being,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement in January. “I have great respect for Mike, and he has led the team through some very unique and challenging times during his tenure.”

McCarthy began his NFL coaching career in 1993 with the Chiefs, working as offensive quality control. He was with the Chiefs for six seasons before joining the Packers as a quarterback coach in 1999. McCarthy then joined the Saints as the team’s offensive coordinator, and then joined the 49ers in 2005 for the same position. The Packers hired McCarthy as the team’s head coach in 2006 and had a very successful run, leading the team to six NFC North titles, three NFC Championship appearances, and one Super Bowl title.