Useful information
Prime News delivers timely, accurate news and insights on global events, politics, business, and technology
When you’re winning, everything feels great when you walk back to the locker room after the game.
But for Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, every win to end the regular season could mean a contract extension. And a warm hug with owner Jerry Jones has football fans wondering if that’s on the horizon.
McCarthy and Jones were seen giving each other a big hug after the Cowboys beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 26-24, on “Sunday Night Football.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones answers questions with new head coach Mike McCarthy during a news conference at the Ford Center at the Star. (Matthew Emmons-USA Today Sports)
There were big smiles as they hugged, but Jones also seemed to get serious when talking to McCarthy, although the microphones couldn’t pick up what he was saying. From the looks of it, it was one of those good, serious conversations as the Cowboys moved to 7-8 on the year.
Now, the reality of this season is that the Cowboys are eliminated from playoff contention, which is not something Jones or anyone in the organization expected to see at the end of Week 17.
However, McCarthy has rejuvenated what was once a deflated 3-7 team after losing to the Houston Texans on November 18.
THE COWBOYS MAKE DEFENSIVE PLAYS TO STYLE THE BUCS, THEY WIN
Dallas has won four of its last five games, without franchise quarterback Dak Prescott, whose hamstring injury against the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 3 required surgery to repair, prematurely ending his 2024 campaign.
Jones has loved what he’s seen from his owner’s box in recent weeks.
“Those guys came out and played like they were fighting in the championship game to go to the Super Bowl,” Jones said after the win, according to Yahoo Sports. “I can’t express how proud I am of them and the coaching staff. It really shows me something.”
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy watches the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
During his media availability, McCarthy talked about the locker room he was just in and how he feels like his group is still playing like it’s the last play of the season, even if the playoffs aren’t in the picture.
“I think that shows who they are,” McCarthy explained. “I think everyone says that the coach always speaks highly of the locker room; well, this is what I mean. When I say ‘it’s a great locker room,’ this is the definition. This is what a great locker room looks like.” locker room”.
Quite a change for McCarthy, who seemed to be all but out of the game as the Cowboys continued to inch closer to a top draft pick instead of a playoff berth. But despite the travails of 2024, McCarthy got the seal of approval from Prescott and others regarding a contract extension.
Jones himself even recently commented on the status of McCarthy’s contract, saying around Thanksgiving that he didn’t feel extending him was “crazy at all.” After all, McCarthy has gone 12-5 in each of the last three seasons before this one, which could still be a year above .500.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy walks on the sideline during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. (Images by Tim Heitman-Imagn)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
There are two more weeks left on McCarthy’s current contract, and if Dallas finishes strong against the NFC East’s two likely playoff teams – the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders – he may continue to lead “America’s Team” going forward.
As the saying goes, end the year on a high note. McCarthy has his ‘Boys playing accordingly.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage in Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
