After a tough 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons found himself clarifying his postgame comments, which some took as criticism of head coach Mike McCarthy. In his podcast, The Edge with Micah Parsons, the star linebacker made it clear that he wasn’t intending to “throw McCarthy under the bus” when speaking about the state of the team and its future.
Parsons addressed the matter head-on, saying, “I never once threw, or even intended to throw, Mike McCarthy under the bus.” He explained that his remarks about McCarthy’s future had been taken out of context and that his focus was not on coaching decisions. “The question was about here and the Dallas Cowboys. Did I see Mike McCarthy in our future? I said, ‘That’s above my pay grade.’”
Parsons’ original comments came in response to a question on whether McCarthy’s role could change amid the Cowboys’ ongoing struggles, now on a four-game losing streak. He voiced his concern instead for veteran teammates like Zack Martin, whom he hopes can get a shot at a Super Bowl before retirement. “That’s above my pay grade, about if Mike’s coaching again next year,” Parsons had commented after Sunday’s game, stressing that his priority was on his teammates rather than on coaching matters.
Parsons acknowledged McCarthy’s role in the team’s progress but emphasized his respect and desire to win for veteran players. “All coaching aside, Mike can leave and go wherever he wants,” Parsons stated. “Guys I kind of feel bad for are guys like Zack Martin…because that’s who I wanted to hold the trophy for. You want to win games and do great things with those legends who put in more time and work than Mike McCarthy ever did. So those are the kind of guys I have so much sympathy and hurt for.”
In response to the controversy, McCarthy noted on Monday that he and Parsons had a productive conversation about the comments. Parsons, according to McCarthy, apologized and clarified his intentions.
This recent loss, coupled with McCarthy’s contract expiring at season’s end, has fueled speculation that the Cowboys might make coaching changes. However, for Parsons, the goal remains to rally the team and support his teammates, not to fuel debates about the coaching staff’s future.
