Mike McCarthy’s tenure with the Dallas Cowboys appears to be nearing its inevitable conclusion. With no contract extension offered by Jerry Jones this past offseason, the writing has been on the wall for the 61-year-old head coach. Now, speculation has turned to where McCarthy might land next, and one intriguing possibility has emerged: the New York Jets.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic has highlighted McCarthy as a prime candidate for the Jets’ head coaching position in 2025. Howe points to McCarthy’s extensive history with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, including their Super Bowl-winning partnership in Green Bay, as a compelling reason for the Jets to consider him.
“McCarthy, who coached the Green Bay Packers for 13 years before his five-year stint with the Cowboys, may not be on many short lists, but he could make sense for the New York Jets because of his history with quarterback Aaron Rodgers,” Howe wrote. “There’s also no need to worry about the way the 61-year-old would handle the pressure of the New York spotlight, which is a necessary personality trait for that media market.”
The Jets’ disappointing 3-7 season, coupled with Robert Saleh’s mid-season firing, has left interim coach Jeff Ulbrich in charge. With Aaron Rodgers indicating he plans to return for at least one more season, the potential for a McCarthy-Rodgers reunion offers an appealing narrative for New York.
McCarthy’s Legacy: A Mixed Bag
While McCarthy’s time in Dallas has been marred by playoff shortcomings and a season that marks the worst of his Cowboys tenure, his overall resume remains strong. His ability to build consistent regular-season contenders and guide teams deep into the postseason during his Green Bay days has kept his reputation intact in some circles.
Yet, the lingering question is whether Rodgers would approve of reuniting with McCarthy. The quarterback’s relationship with the coach famously soured toward the end of their time in Green Bay. However, Rodgers’ need for familiarity and stability during a final championship push might smooth over old wounds.
The Jets’ Gamble
For the Jets, hiring McCarthy would be a bold move aimed at maximizing the remaining window with Rodgers. McCarthy’s experience and ability to handle the intense New York media spotlight could provide the steady hand the franchise desperately needs.
As McCarthy’s Cowboys era winds down, his future sidelines seem likely to be somewhere other than Dallas. Whether it’s in New York or elsewhere, the veteran coach appears poised for another chapter in his NFL career.
