Editing Mike McCarthy (section)

==== 2024 ====
McCarthy's return set up a difficult dynamic, where he and his entire coaching staff entered the last year of their contracts, without the possibility of an extension. He also was forced to replace defensive coordinator [[Dan Quinn (American football)|Dan Quinn]] who took the head coach position with the [[Washington Commanders]] with [[Mike Zimmer]]. The team lost depth and didn't have any important signing in free agency, ending with a roster that wasn't set up to succeed, even though Jones used the term "all-in" to describe the Cowboys' approach in 2024.

The team won their season opener against the [[Cleveland Browns]] by a score of 33–17. This win would be seemingly in vain, as they lost three of their next five matchups. These included a 44–19 blowout loss in week 2 to the [[New Orleans Saints]], as well as a 47–9 blowout loss to the [[Detroit Lions]] in week 6. After the bye, they would not bounce back, losing four straight. Even worse, in week 9, starting quarterback [[Dak Prescott]] tore his hamstring. Playing backups [[Cooper Rush]] and [[Trey Lance]], the Cowboys finished 7–10.<ref name="c594">{{cite web | last=Podell | first=Garrett |date=January 18, 2024 | title=Cowboys retaining Mike McCarthy for 2024: Jerry Jones believes team 'very close to achieving ultimate goals' | website=CBSSports.com | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cowboys-retaining-mike-mccarthy-for-2024-jerry-jones-believes-team-very-close-to-achieving-ultimate-goals/ | access-date=January 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-qb-dak-prescott-to-undergo-season-ending-surgery-on-injured-hamstring |first=Kevin |last=Patra |title=Cowboys QB Dak Prescott to undergo season-ending surgery on injured hamstring |date=November 12, 2024 |access-date=January 30, 2025 |website=[[National Football League]]}}</ref> After the season concluded, it was announced on January 13, 2025, that McCarthy would no longer be the head coach of the Cowboys.<ref>{{cite web|last=Yarrish|first=Tommy|title=Cowboys to move on from Mike McCarthy|url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/cowboys-to-move-on-from-mike-mccarthy|website=dallascowboys.com|date=January 13, 2025|access-date=January 13, 2025}}</ref>