Mike McCarthy has long preached that conflict is healthy.
The Pittsburgh native talked about growing up in a family that confronted problems rather than avoiding them.
So on Monday morning, the Dallas Cowboys head coach spoke with the star edge rusher.
Micah Parsons made headlines on social media and talk shows Sunday night with his comments about the coach’s work ethic and relative concern for McCarthy’s position compared to his teammate’s looming retirement.
“I’ve always done that when (something) creates questions for other people in the locker room, the conversation has to happen,” McCarthy said. “So Micah and I talked about it this morning. We handled those things the way men should handle them.”
Questions have been raised about McCarthy’s job status as the Cowboys are 3-6 in the final year of his head coach’s contract.
McCarthy led the Cowboys to three 12-win seasons from 2021-2023. However, team owner Jerry Jones was unable to extend McCarthy’s contract beyond the 2024 season after the team was eliminated early in the playoffs, including a blowout loss at home to the Green Bay Packers in January.
With eight games remaining, the Cowboys have a 1 percent chance of making the playoffs this season, according to The Athletic’s playoff projections.
a reporter asked Parsons in the locker room after the game. “Mike is in the final year of his contract, so of course there will be questions on the outside. What is the atmosphere inside the locker room and what would you say to people who are wondering if McCarthy is going to be your coach next year?”
“Whether or not Mike coaches again next year is more than my salary,” Parsons said.
“With coaching, Mike can leave and go wherever he wants,” Parsons added. “I kind of feel bad for guys like (veteran right guard) Zach Martin and guys who might be in their last year or leaving, because that’s the guy I wanted to win a trophy with. You want to win games and do great against legends who have put in more time and effort than Mike McCarthy.
“That’s why they’re the kind of people I feel so sorry for and hurt.”
Mr. Parsons’ explanation of the relative time investments of Martin and McCarthy raised questions. The seven-time All-Pro joined the Cowboys seven years before McCarthy, but McCarthy began coaching in the NFL more than 20 years before Martin entered the league. McCarthy won a Super Bowl during his 13 years as head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
With 18 years at the helm of two organizations, he’s no stranger to the reactions that players’ emotions create. Parsons said on Monday night’s podcast that he did not intend to “throw McCarthy under the bus.”
“That wasn’t his intention,” McCarthy said. “The other part of this is you don’t want to see your players get attacked from the other side. We have a lot to focus on and that’s what we did throughout today’s game. That’s what we’re really talking about. … Just think about football and focus on what you need to improve on.
“These are things that need to be eliminated from your culture. Like anything else, conversations bring solutions, and I think this is an example of that.”
Parsons’ comments came after his first game in more than a month while battling an ankle sprain. The Cowboys lost defensive stars this season in Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence and Daron Brand. Most recently, quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a torn hamstring that is expected to be season-ending.
Dallas’ debacle at home occurred even before the losing streak occurred.
The Cowboys haven’t won at home since December of last year. They fell into a deep hole at home against the Packers, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, and now the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jones’ frustration was evident Sunday night as he watched the Eagles win at home for the first time since 2017. The Cowboys turned the ball over five times in their second straight home game, and the Eagles lost 34-6, but lost 47-9 to the Lions. Quarterback Cooper Rush, who started in Prescott’s place, completed 13 of 23 pass attempts for 45 yards.
Jones said he has no intention of replacing the head coach before the end of the season. He regretted firing Wade Phillips midway through the season in 2009, and he also regretted firing Chan Gailey two years later.
What does Jones want from McCarthy in the remaining eight games?
“My criteria has always been how we’re playing or do we have an edge,” Jones said Sunday night. “Fundamentally, are we competitive? Are we competitive when we’re down? That sort of thing. … Nobody’s trying to be fair here. I We’re looking to win the game, so these are things that I’m looking at to be part of the decisions that can help us win the game.”
The Cowboys continue their search and will host the Houston Texans next week in prime time on Monday Night Football. Another home loss may be in store. The Cowboys are a 7.5-point underdog, according to BetMGM.
Players will continue to ask questions. But while McCarthy mentioned the rift with Parsons this week, he said he would not discuss that possibility in the locker room.
“They’re adults,” McCarthy said. “They know they need to answer the way they feel they need to answer. (Reporters) have a job to do. We have a job to do. Dealing with the media is It’s our responsibility.
“I think it’s important to be honest. I think giving (rote memorized) answers just leads to follow-up questions. Good reporters like you follow up and just But yeah, I’ve never stood there and said, “I need to say this and this and this for that question.”
“I don’t believe that’s true and they know what they’re doing.”
