Editing Mike McCarthy (section)

==Coaching career==
===College===
In 1987, Duane Dirk, the defensive coordinator at [[Fort Hays State University]] in Kansas, hired McCarthy as a defensive [[graduate assistant]] (GA). Over the next two years, McCarthy focused on linebackers and defensive ends.<ref>{{Cite book |date=1998 |title=Arnsparger's Coaching Defensive Football |pages=339–392 |publisher=CRC Press |doi=10.4324/9780367804268 |isbn=978-0-367-80426-8 |chapter=Overtime My Coaching Career |doi-broken-date=November 2, 2024 }}</ref> During his time as the defensive graduate assistant, McCarthy pursued a master of science degree; he graduated with a M.S. in Sports Administration in 1989.<ref>{{Cite web |title=McCarthy Feature |url=https://www.goforthaysstate.com/s/947/index.aspx?pgid=1505 |access-date=June 22, 2021 |website=www.goforthaysstate.com}}</ref>

After serving as a graduate assistant at Fort Hays State from 1987 to 1988, McCarthy returned home to Pittsburgh. On July 30, 1989, McCarthy contacted [[Mike Gottfried]], the head coach at the [[University of Pittsburgh]], looking for a coaching job, but no positions were available. McCarthy was told to mail his resume. McCarthy later showed up at Gottfried's office without an appointment to introduce himself. Two days later, one of Gottfried's assistants resigned, and McCarthy was offered a volunteer coach position without pay.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Gehlken |first=Michael |date=January 19, 2020 |title=Who is Mike McCarthy? In Green Bay, he's known as more than just a Super Bowl-winning football coach |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/01/19/mike-mccarthys-way/ |access-date=June 24, 2021 |work=Dallas News}}</ref> McCarthy later worked under coach [[Paul Hackett (American football)|Paul Hackett]].<ref name=":2" />

McCarthy served as a graduate assistant for three seasons before coaching wide receivers during the 1992 season. Initially, he also worked the night shift on the [[Pennsylvania Turnpike]] as a toll collector during the off-season to supplement his income.<ref name="Peter King Super Bowl XLV" /> McCarthy stated that he spent his time in the tollbooth reviewing the University of Pittsburgh playbook.<ref name=":0" />

===Kansas City Chiefs ===
In 1993, McCarthy and Paul Hackett left Pittsburgh and were hired by the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] under head coach [[Marty Schottenheimer]].<ref name=":2" /> McCarthy worked two years as an offensive quality control assistant. As Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers, McCarthy hired six former quality control coaches to serve as his position coaches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilde |first=Jason |date=October 9, 2016 |title=For Mike McCarthy and Ben McAdoo, quality control jobs were 'the Ph.D. of coaching' |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/217156/for-mike-mccarthy-and-ben-mcadoo-quality-control-jobs-were-the-ph-d-of-coaching |access-date=June 22, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In 1993 and 1994, McCarthy worked with Hall of Fame quarterback [[Joe Montana]].<ref name=":4" />

In 1995, McCarthy became quarterbacks coach for the Chiefs, overseeing [[Rich Gannon]], [[Elvis Grbac]], and [[Steve Bono]]. McCarthy's signal callers threw 52 interceptions — the lowest in the [[American Football Conference]] (AFC) during the years from 1995 through 1998.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Huber |first=Bill |date=January 11, 2006 |title=McCarthy a reputed developer of QBs |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/green-bay-packers/Article/McCarthy-a-reputed-developer-of-QBs-104286505/ |access-date=June 22, 2021 |work=Green Bay Packers}}</ref>

=== Green Bay Packers ===
When Schottenheimer resigned from the Chiefs after the 1998 season,<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 1999 |title=Chiefs' Coach Call It Quits |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chiefs-coach-call-it-quits/ |access-date=June 24, 2021 |work=CBS News}}</ref> McCarthy left Kansas City and became the Packers' quarterbacks coach. There, he worked with Hall of Famer [[Brett Favre]].<ref name=":3" /> In the 1999 season, while working with McCarthy, Packers quarterback Brett Favre threw for 4,091 yards, the fourth-best total of his career.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Stelzel |first=Todd |date=September 29, 2015 |title=Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy {{!}} PackersTalk.com |url=https://packerstalk.com/2015/09/29/green-bay-packers-head-coach-mike-mccarthy/ |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=packerstalk.com}}</ref> While McCarthy was quarterbacks coach, the 1999 Packers team was ranked seventh in passing and ninth in overall offense in the league.<ref name=":4" />

=== New Orleans Saints ===
In 2000, McCarthy was hired as the offensive coordinator for the [[New Orleans Saints]].<ref name=":5" /> That year, the Saints achieved a 10–6 regular season record,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grantham |first=Zayne |date=November 5, 2011 |title=New Orleans Saints: The 5 Best Teams in Franchise History |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/923587-the-5-best-teams-in-new-orleans-saints-history |access-date=June 28, 2021 |work=Bleacher Report}}</ref> then won their first playoff game in the franchise's history and finished 10th overall in offense.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Hogan |first=Nakia |date=September 8, 2011 |title=Mike McCarthy says his road to success started in New Orleans |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_8150953f-e0fb-55ed-9f60-5fb5c6ebaf9d.html |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=NOLA.com}}</ref> McCarthy was selected as [[National Football Conference]] (NFC) Assistant Coach of the Year by [[USA Today]] in 2000.<ref name=":6" />

The Saints failed to make the playoffs over the next three years. In 2002, the Saints led the NFC in scoring with 49 touchdowns and 432 points, but slowed down at the end of the season. In 2003, the Saints scored 340 points—their eighth highest-scoring season ever. All of McCarthy's four years with the Saints rank in the team's top 10 years for offense.<ref name=":4" />

While McCarthy was with the team, the Saints’ offense set 25 individual and 10 team records. [[Joe Horn]] caught 45 touchdowns and 437 passes for 6,289 yards.<ref name=":4" /> During McCarthy's time with the team, running backs [[Ricky Williams]] and [[Deuce McAllister|Deuce McCallister]] both had a 1,000-yard season.<ref name=":4" /> In his first two years, running back Ricky Williams would run for 2,245 yards with 14 touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most Seasons With 1000 Rushing Yds By A Saints Player |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-seasons-with-1000-rushing-yds-by-a-saints-player |access-date=June 28, 2021 |work=StatMuse}}</ref> McCarthy stayed with the team for five seasons through 2004.<ref name=":6" />

=== San Francisco 49ers ===
In 2005, McCarthy served as offensive coordinator for the [[San Francisco 49ers]] by coach [[Mike Nolan]].<ref name="Rumor">{{Cite web |last=Witt |first=Brian |date=January 6, 2020 |title=NFL rumors: Ex-49ers coaches Mike McCarthy, Mike Nolan reunite with Cowboys |url=https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-ex-49ers-coaches-mike-mccarthy-mike-nolan-reunite-with-cowboys/1266707/ |access-date=July 22, 2024 |work=NBC Sports - Bay Area - California}}</ref> His unit had setbacks, including the trade of their most experienced quarterback, [[Tim Rattay]].<ref name=":4" /> Rattay was replaced by a rookie quarterback, [[2005 NFL Draft|top draft pick]] [[Alex Smith]], who was injured in Week 7 of the season.<ref name=":4" />

The 49ers finished the season ranked 30th in the NFL in points scored and dead last in yards gained.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 San Francisco 49ers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2005.htm |access-date=June 28, 2021 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Despite this, rookie running back [[Frank Gore]] would emerge to run for 608 rushing yards on 127 carries with a 4.8 Yards Per Carry (YPC)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Frank Gore Career Stats |url=https://www.nfl.com/players/frank-gore/stats/career |access-date=June 28, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2013 |title=The file on Frank Gore |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/file-frank-gore |access-date=June 24, 2021 |work=RSN}}</ref> while wide receiver [[Brandon Lloyd]] had 733 yards receiving and five touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Panacy |first=Peter |date=April 10, 2014 |title=Should the San Francisco 49ers Re-Sign Wide Receiver Brandon Lloyd? |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2024769-should-the-san-francisco-49ers-re-sign-wide-receiver-brandon-lloyd |access-date=September 12, 2021 |work=Bleacher Report}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Brandon Lloyd Stats |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/4582/brandon-lloyd |access-date=June 28, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

===Green Bay Packers===
==== 2006–2009 ====
[[File:Mike McCarthy (TJG).JPG|alt=Mike McCarthy|thumb|McCarthy in 2007]]
After Mike Sherman took the Packers to a 4–12 record in 2005,<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2005.htm |access-date=June 6, 2006 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> the team released him on January 2, 2006, and immediately started interviewing for a replacement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2006 |title=Packers' Sherman loses job after first losing season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2277901 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> McCarthy was interviewed by Packers general manager [[Ted Thompson]] on January 8, 2006, and was offered the head coaching position three days later.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=January 11, 2006 |title=Packers to hire 49ers' McCarthy as coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2288985 |access-date=January 12, 2006 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

In 2006, the Packers started with a 4–8 record, but the team still managed to win their last four games after both quarterback Brett Favre and backup quarterback [[Aaron Rodgers]] sustained injuries, finishing the season 8–8, and ending with a win against their archrival, the [[2006 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 2006 Green Bay Packers (8–8) |url=http://www.packershistory.net/2006PACKERS.html |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=www.packershistory.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2006.htm |access-date=June 8, 2007 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

McCarthy guided the Packers to an 8–1 record in the first nine games of the [[2007 Green Bay Packers season|2007 season]], tying Washington's [[Joe Gibbs]] for the best win–loss ratio to start the first 25 games of a career at 16–9 and passing [[Vince Lombardi]], who went 15–10, for the best coaching start in Packers' history.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fly |first=Colin |date=November 12, 2007 |title=McCarthy stays true to Packers' plan, sits atop NFC with best start among active coaches |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-11-12-3091823810_x.htm |access-date=November 12, 2007}}</ref> The team finished the regular season with a 13–3 record and obtained the number two seed in the NFC playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kruse |first=Zach |date=June 8, 2017 |title=Throwback Thursday: Remembering the 2007 Green Bay Packers |url=https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2017/06/08/throwback-thursday-remembering-the-2007-green-bay-packers/ |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=Packers Wire |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2007.htm |access-date=June 30, 2008 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> McCarthy led the Packers to the [[NFC Championship]] game, where they lost to the eventual Super Bowl-winning [[2007 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] in overtime.

After the 2007 season, McCarthy finished second in voting for [[National Football League Coach of the Year Award|The Associated Press Coach of the Year]] award, garnering 15 votes to [[Bill Belichick]]'s 29 votes.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=Associated Press |title=Unbeaten regular season lifts Belichick to second AP Coach of Year honor |website=[[NFL.com]] |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d805b47b4&template=without-video&confirm=true |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080104153614/http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d805b47b4&template=without-video&confirm=true <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=January 4, 2008 |access-date=January 2, 2008}}</ref>

On January 19, 2008, McCarthy signed a five-year contract extension with the team, which raised his salary to $3.4 million a year.<ref>[http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080119/PKR01/801190476/1057/PKR&located=RSS Green Bay Press-Gazette – Packers, McCarthy reach five-year deal]</ref> The [[2008 Green Bay Packers season|2008 season]] was a tumultuous one. Aaron Rodgers, previously the backup, became the starting quarterback when Brett Favre announced his retirement in March. Favre then changed his mind and sought his previous position as the Green Bay quarterback. The organization reiterated its intent to move forward with Rodgers as the new face of the Packers, although Favre was offered the backup position behind Rodgers. Favre refused the offer, and was traded to the [[New York Jets]] in exchange for a conditional fourth-round draft pick.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ESPN.com |date=August 6, 2008 |title=Jets set for Brett: Packers legend headed to New York |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/news/story?id=3522971 |access-date=August 7, 2008}}</ref>

The [[2008 Green Bay Packers season|2008 season]] started with a 5–5 record, followed by five consecutive losses. The season ended with a 31–21 victory over the [[2008 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]], bringing the Packers' regular season record to 6–10. The Packers finished third in the NFC North, ahead of only the Lions, and did not make the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2008.htm |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Under McCarthy, Aaron Rodgers threw for over 4,000 yards and posted a 93.8 [[passer rating]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=ESPN.com |title=Aaron Rodgers stats |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/8439/aaron-rodgers |access-date=August 7, 2009}}</ref>

Rodgers improved on his 2008 statistics in [[2009 Green Bay Packers season|2009]], but was sacked 50 times, more than any other quarterback in the NFL. The Packers dominated teams with losing records but were swept by their rival [[2009 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]], led by former Packers franchise quarterback [[Brett Favre]]. The Packers lost to the previously winless [[2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], but then came back to beat the NFC East-leading [[2009 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pro Football Reference |title=2009 Green Bay Packers |website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]] |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2009.htm |access-date=November 19, 2009}}</ref> They then went on a five-game winning streak and qualified for the playoffs with a Week 17 victory over the [[2009 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]], finishing with an 11–5 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2009.htm |access-date=June 30, 2010 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

This was the second playoff berth in McCarthy's tenure.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dougherty |first=Pete |title=Green Bay Packers rout Seattle Seahawks 48–10, clinch playoff berth |url=http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20091227/PKR01/91227024/1954/PKR03 |access-date=December 27, 2009}}</ref> The Packers lost the wild-card round to the Cardinals in overtime, 51–45.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dougherty |first=Pete |title=Green Bay Packers lose to Arizona Cardinals 51–45 in NFC playoff game |url=http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20100110/PKR01/100110040/1954/PKR03 |access-date=January 10, 2010}}</ref>

==== 2010 ====
In 2010, the Packers had 25 players on the injured reserve list throughout the season. Running back [[Ryan Grant (running back)|Ryan Grant]] sustained an injury in week one that sidelined him for the rest of the season. McCarthy nonetheless led the Packers to a 10–6 regular season finish, never losing by more than four points and never trailing by more than 7 throughout the entire season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=January 25, 2011 |title=Packers lost close games like no other team, ever |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/01/25/packers-lost-close-games-like-no-other-team-ever/ |access-date=June 25, 2021 |work=ProFootballTalk}}</ref> This record earned them second place in the NFC North, behind the [[2010 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaake |first=Andrew |title=The Green Bay Packers' 10 Best Seasons |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1118080-the-green-bay-packers-ten-best-seasons |access-date=June 25, 2021 |work=Bleacher Report}}</ref> with whom they split victories in the regular season.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=2010 Green Bay Packers football Game-by-Game Results on StatsCrew.com |url=https://www.statscrew.com/football/results/t-GB/y-2010 |access-date=June 30, 2021 |website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref>

They went into the NFC playoffs as the sixth seed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Both Sixth Seeds Win NFL Wild-Card Games |url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/both-sixth-seeds-win-wild-card-games/71696/ |access-date=June 25, 2021 |work=NBC Bay Area |date=January 6, 2014}}</ref> The Packers defeated the number three-seeded [[2010 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] by a 21–16 score in the wild-card round. They then played the number one-seeded [[2010 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]], beating them by a convincing margin of 48–21.

The Packers then played the second-seeded Chicago Bears for the third time that season in the [[NFC Championship game|NFC Championship Game]]. They won 21–14 and advanced to [[Super Bowl XLV]]. After this game, McCarthy's team had a 3–0 postseason record on the road.<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Playoff Standings |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/playoffs.htm |access-date=June 30, 2021 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

===== Super Bowl XLV =====
[[Super Bowl XLV]] pitted the Packers against the [[2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]]. This was the first time these two storied franchises had played each other in the postseason.<ref name=":14" /> Ahead of the game, confident in his team's performance, McCarthy had the team fitted for Super Bowl championship rings.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2011 |title=McCarthy had Pack fitted for rings Saturday |url=https://www.espn.in/nfl/playoffs/2010/news/story?id=6098193 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

The Packers defeated the Steelers 31–25 to win their fourth [[Super Bowl]] and 13th [[List of NFL Championships won|NFL title]] overall.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 6, 2011 |title=Aaron Rodgers tosses 3 TD passes as Packers drop Steelers to win Super Bowl XLV |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=310206009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915005151/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=310206009 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=February 7, 2011 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite web |title=Packers.com, the official website of the Green Bay Packers |url=https://www.packers.com/history/championship-seasons |access-date=June 30, 2021 |website=www.packers.com}}</ref> The win returned the Lombardi Trophy to Green Bay for the first time since the team's 1996 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Green Bay holds on to win fourth Super Bowl title |url=http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/115382579.html |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=www.jsonline.com}}</ref>

==== 2011–2017 ====
[[File:Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy - San Francisco vs Green Bay 2012.jpg|thumb|left|McCarthy and quarterback [[Aaron Rodgers]] in {{NFL year|2012}}]]
The 2011 Packers team was a record-setting one, leading the NFL in points scored and setting a franchise record for wins at 15–1 and consecutive wins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2011.htm |access-date=June 30, 2012 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> McCarthy's offensive strategies facilitated Aaron Rodgers' NFL MVP season, as he threw for 4,643 yards and 45 touchdowns, throwing most often to receiver [[Jordy Nelson]].<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Chodos |first=Ben |title=Green Bay Packers: 5 Best and 5 Worst of the 2011 Season |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1029783-green-bay-packers-5-best-and-5-worst-of-the-2011-season |access-date=June 25, 2021 |work=Bleacher Report}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=NFL 100 |url=https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/teams-67 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

The Packers' season ended in the NFC Divisional Round against the [[2011 New York Giants season|New York Giants]]. The team had suffered a number of setbacks, including the season-ending neck injury of defensive back [[Nick Collins]], and appeared to have suffered, rather than benefited, from the time off, dropping nine passes in this game.<ref name=":11" /> [[Eli Manning]] of the Giants attacked the Packers’ weaker defense (ranked 19th in scoring defense) and the Packers lost 37–20.<ref name=":7" />

In 2012, the Packers finished with an 11–5 record that ranked them first in the NFC North Division,<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2013.htm |access-date=June 30, 2014 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> the first time the Packers had won two consecutive NFC North titles since the three they won from 2002 to 2004. McCarthy's offensive strategies led to the Packers scoring 433 points, with Aaron Rodgers passing for 4,295 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Green Bay Packers football Roster on StatsCrew.com |url=https://www.statscrew.com/football/roster/t-GB/y-2012 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=www.statscrew.com}}</ref> The 2012 postseason was the 28th time the franchise had secured a playoff berth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Packers 2012 Season-Ending Dope Sheet |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-2012-season-ending-dope-sheet-9381394 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=www.packers.com}}</ref> After beating the [[2012 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] in the first round they lost to the [[2012 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] in the Divisional Round by a score of 45–31.

In 2013, McCarthy led the Packers to a regular season record of 8–7–1 and the NFC North title, the third consecutive division win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2013.htm |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> That year, McCarthy took his team to their fifth straight playoff appearance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A look back at the Packers' 2013 season |url=https://www.packers.com/news/a-look-back-at-the-packers-2013-season-12548166 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=www.packers.com}}</ref> During the summer of 2014, the village board of Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin voted to rename Potts Avenue “Mike McCarthy Way.”<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 23, 2014 |title=Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy has street named after him |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/07/mike-mccarthy-way-green-bay-packers |access-date=June 25, 2021 |work=For The Win}}</ref>

In 2014, McCarthy guided the Packers to their fourth consecutive NFC North title with a 12–4 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2014.htm |access-date=June 30, 2015 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The team ranked sixth in the NFL in total offense, with an average of 386 yards per game, and first in points scored, with an average of 30.4 points per game. In receiving yards, Jordy Nelson led the team with 1,519 yards. Aaron Rodgers threw for 4,381 yards and [[Eddie Lacy]] had 1,139 rushing yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2014.htm |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Infographic: Packers 2014 season review |url=https://www.packers.com/news/infographic-packers-2014-season-review-14916094 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=www.packers.com}}</ref>

In November 2014, McCarthy signed a contract extension through 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Demovsky |first=Rob |date=November 3, 2014 |title=Packers extend coach Mike McCarthy |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11816388/mike-mccarthy-signs-multiyear-contract-extension-green-bay-packers |access-date=January 12, 2014 |website=ESPN.com |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> With a Week 16 victory over the [[2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], McCarthy notched his 99th win, passing Hall of Famer [[Vince Lombardi]] (98) for second on the Packers' all-time wins list, behind only Hall of Famer [[Curly Lambeau]] (212).<ref>{{Cite web |last=jrn.com |title=McCarthy on passing Lombardi on Packers win list |url=http://www.jrn.com/wtmj/wi-sports/McCarthy-on-passing-Lombardi-on-Packers-win-list-286721671.html |access-date=January 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=tbo.com |title=Hot Reads: GB coach could pass Lombardi's mark |date=December 17, 2014 |url=http://tbo.com/sports/bucs/hot-reads-gb-coach-could-pass-lombardis-mark-20141217/ |access-date=January 14, 2015}}</ref>

The Packers defeated the [[2014 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, but in the NFC Championship Game against the [[2014 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], the Packers collapsed. Despite holding a 16–0 lead at halftime and a 19–7 lead in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, going on to lose the game 22–28 in overtime. McCarthy was criticized after making several questionable play calls during this loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Robert |date=January 19, 2015 |title=Green Bay Packers' loss to Seattle Seahawks in NFC title game comes down to two poor coaching decisions |url=https://auburnpub.com/blogs/in_the_pros/green-bay-packers-loss-to-seattle-seahawks-in-nfc-title/article_6dce68cc-9fe5-11e4-88c5-93e04ff1b5c5.html |access-date=January 8, 2020}}</ref> At the start of the game, he went for two field goals at the 1 yard line, and was criticized for "not going for it".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.jsonline.com/sports/packers/mike-mccarthy-should-get-plenty-of-blame-for-packers-loss-b99429413z1-289103671.html/|title = Mike McCarthy should get blame for Packers loss, too}}</ref> During the last five minutes of the game, McCarthy called three run plays to [[Eddie Lacy]] with 3:52 minutes left, and the Packers punted on fourth down; critics slammed McCarthy for "not giving [[Aaron Rodgers]] a chance" to win the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manfred |first=Tony |date=January 19, 2015 |title=How The Packers Completed One Of The Worst Collapses In NFL History In Just 5 Minutes |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/how-the-packers-blew-the-seahawks-game-2015-1 |access-date=January 8, 2020 |publisher=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref> A day after the loss, McCarthy stated that he is "not questioning his play-calling", as well as stating that he "came to run the ball".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubin |first=Jaren |date=January 19, 2015 |title=Mike McCarthy: 'I'm not questioning' play-calling |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/mike-mccarthy-im-not-questioning-play-calling/ |access-date=January 8, 2020 |work=[[CBS Sports]]}}</ref> Others defended McCarthy; in March 2015, at the annual owners' meetings, Bill Belichick stated that McCarthy is "one of the best coaches I've ever gone up against."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=March 24, 2015 |title=10 things we learned from Bill Belichick at owners meetings |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4779715/10-things-we-learned-from-bill-belichick |access-date=November 27, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilde |first=Jason |title=Belichick: McCarthy 'one of the best coaches I've ever gone up against' |url=http://www.espnwisconsin.com/page.php?page_id=278 |access-date=March 25, 2015 |website=ESPN Wisconsin}}</ref> Notwithstanding his rejection of the criticism of his heavily run-dependent strategy McCarthy relinquished play calling duties to long-time assistant [[Tom Clements]] in February 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 19, 2017 |title=Tom Clements Departure is Green Bay's Loss |url=https://totalpackers.com/2017/02/tom-clements-departure-green-bays-loss/ |access-date=June 28, 2021 |work=Total Packers}}</ref>

While the Packers made the playoffs for the seventh consecutive time after the 2015 season, the team struggled with a weak running game. In December, McCarthy once again took over play calling responsibilities. After he did so, the Packers recorded a 28–7 victory over the [[2015 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]], running the ball for 230 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2015 |title=Mike McCarthy calls plays for offense in win over Cowboys |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14356004/mike-mccarthy-green-bay-packers-coach-reclaims-play-calling-responsibilities |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers – December 13th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512130gnb.htm |access-date=December 15, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

The 2016 season made McCarthy the fourth head coach in the history of the NFL to take his team to eight-plus consecutive playoff appearances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Packers' season-ending Dope Sheet |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-season-ending-dope-sheet-18544761 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=www.packers.com}}</ref> In the postseason, the Packers won the wild card game against the [[2016 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] (38–13) and then the NFC Divisional Playoff against the [[2016 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] (34–31) before losing on the road to the [[2016 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] in the NFC Championship Game (44–21).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Packers.com, the official website of the Green Bay Packers |url=https://www.packers.com/history/playoff-history |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=www.packers.com}}</ref>

The Packers began the 2017 season with a 4–1 record, but was later hamstrung by a collarbone injury to Rodgers in Week 6 against the [[2017 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]]. Afterwards, backup quarterback [[Brett Hundley]] made his first career start.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2017 |title=Aaron Rodgers has broken collarbone, could miss season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21031654/aaron-rodgers-green-bay-packers-breaks-right-collarbone |access-date=June 30, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> With only a backup quarterback to work with, McCarthy and the Packers failed to clinch a postseason appearance in 2017, finishing with a 7–9 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2017.htm |access-date=June 30, 2021 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

==== 2018 ====
On January 2, 2018, it was announced that McCarthy had signed a one-year contract extension with the Packers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chavez |first=Chris |date=January 2, 2018 |title=Packers Signed Mike McCarthy To One-Year Extension To Remain Through The 2019 Season |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/01/02/mike-mccarthy-contract-extension-green-bay-packers-2019 |access-date=November 27, 2018 |website=si.com}}</ref>

On December 2, 2018, after a 20–17 loss to the [[2018 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]], McCarthy was released after 13 seasons as head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |title=Packers release head coach Mike McCarthy after 13 seasons |date=December 2, 2018 |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000995203/article/packers-part-ways-with-mike-mccarthy-after-13-seasons |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203060000/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000995203/article/packers-part-ways-with-mike-mccarthy-after-13-seasons |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 3, 2018 |access-date=December 2, 2018 |work=NFL.com}}</ref> He finished his Packers tenure with a {{winpct|125|77|2|record=y}} regular-season record and a {{winpct|10|8|record=y}} postseason record for a combined record of {{winpct|135|85|2|record=y}}. McCarthy led the team to nine playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory.<ref name=":15" />

The timing of the personnel decision caught McCarthy by surprise, as he noted in an interview with ESPN.com. McCarthy said: "Time provides the opportunity for reflection and clarity and that's where I'm at now. And it's clear to me now that both sides needed a change."<ref name=":8" />

==== 2019 hiatus ====
After McCarthy was released as Packers head coach, he expressed plans to interview with the [[New York Jets]] and [[Cleveland Browns]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knoblauch |first=Austin |date=January 1, 2019 |title=Mike McCarthy plans to interview with Jets, Browns |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/mike-mccarthy-plans-to-interview-with-jets-browns-0ap3000001006803 |access-date=January 8, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> The [[Arizona Cardinals]] expressed interest, but he declined to proceed with an interview.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 24, 2018 |title=NBC's King: Interest between former Packers coach McCarthy, Cardinals |url=http://arizonasports.com/story/1781905/nbcs-king-interest-between-former-packers-coach-mccarthy-cardinals/ |access-date=January 8, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Root |first=Jess |date=January 1, 2019 |title=Mike McCarthy turned down chance to interview for Cardinals coaching vacancy |url=https://cardswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/01/mike-mccarthy-declined-az-arizona-cardinals-advances/ |access-date=January 8, 2020}}</ref>

McCarthy's interview with the Browns was initially scheduled for Thursday, January 3,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunn |first=Sam |date=January 2, 2019 |title=REPORT: Mike McCarthy Expected to Interview for Browns Head Coaching Job Thursday |url=https://www.12up.com/posts/6261089-report-mike-mccarthy-expected-to-interview-for-browns-head-coaching-job-thursday |access-date=January 8, 2020}}</ref> before being moved to a week later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Florjancic |first=Matthew |date=January 3, 2019 |title=Report: Mike McCarthy's interview with Browns moved to next week |url=https://www.wkyc.com/mobile/article/sports/nfl/browns/report-mike-mccarthys-interview-with-browns-moved-to-next-week/95-6ff7471f-8019-4cf4-a9a4-d6b43e91df95 |access-date=January 8, 2020 |publisher=[[WKYC]]}}</ref> The Browns offered McCarthy the head coach position, but he declined it, because it would have required him to retain [[Freddie Kitchens]] as offensive coordinator. The Browns hired Kitchens instead.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holleran |first=Andrew |date=January 9, 2019 |title=Report: This Coach Turned Down The Cleveland Browns' Job |url=https://thespun.com/football/report-this-coach-turned-down-the-cleveland-browns-job |access-date=January 8, 2020}}</ref>

McCarthy interviewed with the Jets on January 5, 2019.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Waszak |first=Dennis |date=January 6, 2019 |title=Jets Interview Former Packers Coach Mike McCarthy |url=https://apnews.com/78310207e377470c96c96994f87402b2 |access-date=January 8, 2020 |publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The Jets also interviewed Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator [[Eric Bieniemy]] and former Miami Dolphins coach [[Adam Gase]].<ref name=":9" /> The Jets proceeded to hire Gase.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waszak |first=Dennis |date=January 10, 2019 |title=AP source: Jets hire former Dolphins coach Adam Gase |url=https://apnews.com/3f09eaff20b44098b0e2966483f822ff |access-date=January 8, 2020 |publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

On January 9, 2019, McCarthy announced that he intended to sit out the 2019 season and return for 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyree |first=Ameer |date=January 10, 2019 |title=Former Packers coach Mike McCarthy will sit out 2019, report says |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/mike-mccarthy-will-not-pursue-coaching-jobs-in-2019/kfh81b00r5qq1w7tnf0hqlfvh |access-date=January 8, 2020}}</ref> McCarthy spent time improving his football knowledge and strategies. In collaboration with fellow coaches such as [[Jim Haslett]], [[Frank Cignetti Jr.]] and [[Scott McCurley]], McCarthy studied league playbooks, league trends, and analytics, with the intention of returning to the NFL. He said that his "McCarthy Project" made him "definitely a better coach".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ex-Packers coach Mike McCarthy eyes NFL return in 2020 |first=Tom |last=Pelissero |date=December 9, 2019 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ex-packers-coach-mike-mccarthy-eyes-nfl-return-in-2020-0ap3000001084451 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

===Dallas Cowboys===

==== 2020 ====
McCarthy interviewed for the vacant head coach position to replace [[Jason Garrett]], which took place over 12 hours, with Cowboys owner [[Jerry Jones]], executive vice president Stephen Jones, and chief sales and marketing officer Jerry Jones Jr. The other person to interview for the position was [[Marvin Lewis]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marvin Lewis fine with interview process for Cowboys job | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28446280/marvin-lewis-fine-interview-process-cowboys-job |publisher=ESPN |date=January 8, 2020 |access-date=February 2, 2025}}</ref>

On January 7, 2020, McCarthy was announced as the Cowboys' new head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |title=McCarthy Won The Job In 12-Hour Interview |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mccarthy-won-the-job-in-12-hour-interview |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=www.dallascowboys.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Rob |date=January 7, 2020 |title=Mike McCarthy Officially Hired As Head Coach |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mike-mccarthy-officially-hired-as-head-coach |access-date=January 7, 2020 |website=dallascowboys.com}}</ref><ref name="USA">{{Cite news |last=Middlehurst-Schwartz |first=Michael |date=January 6, 2020 |title=Dallas Cowboys agree to hire Mike McCarthy as new coach |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2020/01/06/dallas-cowboys-hire-mike-mccarthy-coach-jason-garrett-replacement/2823446001/ |access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref><ref name=":10" /> McCarthy, who spent his season off watching game film and learning about analytics with fellow coaches, told Jones during the interview that he watched every play of the 2019 season. During his introductory press conference to announce his hiring, McCarthy said: “I need to confess: I told Jerry I watched every play of the 2019 season. I wanted the job. You do what you gotta do, right?”<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Epstein |first=Jori |title='I wanted the job': Mike McCarthy confesses he fibbed in Dallas Cowboys interview with Jerry Jones |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2020/01/08/dallas-cowboys-mike-mccarthy-fibbed-interview-jerry-jones/2852156001/ |access-date=February 6, 2021 |work=USA Today}}</ref>

McCarthy was the Cowboys' ninth head coach since the organization was founded in 1960. On September 13, 2020, McCarthy lost his Cowboys head coaching debut against the [[2020 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] on the road by a score of 20–17.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Epstein |first=Jori |date=September 13, 2020 |title=Cowboys stumble in Mike McCarthy's debut, fall to Rams in SoFi Stadium opener |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2020/09/13/dallas-cowboys-los-angeles-rams-score/5789828002/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=www.usatoday.com}}</ref> In the next game, McCarthy received his first win as the Cowboys' head coach in a narrow 40–39 comeback victory over the [[2020 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=September 20, 2020 |title=Mike McCarthy's first win with Dallas Cowboys a comeback for the ages |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29931601/mike-mccarthy-first-win-dallas-cowboys-comeback-ages |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

McCarthy was challenged by the heavy restrictions imposed in the league due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] in terms of physical contact with the players, their availability due to a positive test for the virus or having been exposed to someone who had it, a reduced [[training camp (NFL)|training camp]] schedule and the cancellation of the preseason games, which complicated the implementation of the new offensive and defensive schemes. Aggravating the situation was the poor showing of most of the team's free agent signings.

The Cowboys finished the season with a 6–10 record, placing third in the NFC East.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Dallas Cowboys Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2020.htm |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> After losing starting quarterback [[Dak Prescott]] to a dislocated ankle in a Week 5 37–34 victory over the [[2020 New York Giants season|New York Giants]], the Cowboys still remained in playoff contention in a weak division and with [[Andy Dalton]] as the starter at quarterback for most of the season. However, the team struggled defensively, allowing 473 points, which was the Cowboys' worst-ever defensive showing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitt |first=Richie |title=McCarthy's Cowboys Season In Review: Top (Bottom?) 10 Lowlights |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news/mccarthy-dallas-cowboys-2020-nfl-season-in-review-top-bottom-10-lowlights |access-date=June 25, 2021 |work=FanNation Dallas Cowboys News, Analysis and More |date=January 5, 2021}}</ref> After the season, the Cowboys fired defensive coordinator [[Mike Nolan]] and defensive line coach [[Jim Tomsula]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=January 8, 2021 |title=Dallas Cowboys fire defensive coordinator Mike Nolan |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30675381/dallas-cowboys-fire-defensive-coordinator-mike-nolan-source-says |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

==== 2021 ====
[[File:Mike Mccarthy 2021 (cropped).jpg|thumb|McCarthy in 2021]]
McCarthy was fined $50,000 by the NFL on July 1, 2021, for violating practice rules during organized team activities.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Wagoner |first1=Nick |last2=Archer |first2=Todd |last3=DiRocco |first3=Michael |date=July 1, 2021 |title=NFL fines San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys for OTA violations |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31745995/nfl-fines-san-francisco-49ers-jacksonville-jaguars-dallas-cowboys-ota-violations |access-date=July 7, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> As a result of the fine, McCarthy said in a statement the majority of the seven to nine plays the NFL discussed with him involved younger players.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Crabtree|first=Curtis|date=July 22, 2021|title=Mike McCarthy says Cowboys trying to do things right way after practice penalties|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/07/22/mike-mccarthy-says-cowboys-trying-to-do-things-right-way-after-practice-penalties/|access-date=September 16, 2021|work=ProFootballTalk}}</ref>

From July through September 2021, McCarthy and the Cowboys were featured on the HBO sports documentary ''[[Hard Knocks (documentary series)|Hard Knocks]]''. The experience, which McCarthy called “a good one,” involved a large camera crew filming the entirety of Cowboys training camp.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brock |first=Todd |date=September 3, 2021 |title=McCarthy eager to 'be more genuine' leading up to Cowboys' opener with 'Hard Knocks' crew gone |url=https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/03/mike-mccarthy-eager-to-be-more-genuine-leading-up-to-cowboys-opener-with-hard-knocks-crew-gone/ |access-date=September 16, 2021 |work=Cowboys Wire |publisher=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 4, 2021|title=Alone again: Mike McCarthy finds silver lining in end of Cowboys' 'Hard Knocks' experience|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2021/09/03/alone-again-mike-mccarthy-finds-silver-lining-in-end-of-cowboys-hard-knocks-experience/|access-date=September 16, 2021|work=Dallas News}}</ref>

For the [[2021 Dallas Cowboys season|2021 season]], McCarthy guided the team to a 12–5 record and an NFC East division title, including sweeping the entire [[NFC East]] for the first time since 1998.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 11, 2022|title=Cowboys' Stephen Jones: Sweeping NFC East was 'first box to check'|url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/dallas-cowboys-stephen-jones-sweeping-nfc-east-was-first-box-to-check/287-a5048d01-2ecf-4751-93a5-93e2c079edcd|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=wfaa.com}}</ref> After a Week 9 30–16 loss to the [[2021 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]], McCarthy displayed a can of Anti-Monkey Butt powder in a presentation to the team. He informed the Cowboys that although the prior week's loss had been a "Red Ass Week," McCarthy was confident his team would stage a comeback.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ochoa |first=R. J. |date=November 15, 2021 |title=Mike McCarthy used "Monkey Butt" to motivate the Dallas Cowboys towards victory over the Falcons |url=https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2021/11/15/22783833/mike-mccarthy-used-monkey-butt-to-motivate-the-dallas-cowboys-towards-victory-over-the-falcons |access-date=March 23, 2023 |work=Blogging The Boys}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Epstein |first=Jori |title=Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy reveals unusual motivation tactic for rout of Atlanta Falcons |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2021/11/15/mike-mccarthy-uses-monkey-butt-motivate-dallas-cowboys/8634124002/ |access-date=March 23, 2023 |work=USA TODAY}}</ref> McCarthy missed the Week 13 27–17 road victory over the [[2021 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]] after testing positive for [[COVID-19]] and was placed in COVID protocols for 10 days.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2021 |title=Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy returning to work after 10-day COVID-19 protocols |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32822192/dallas-cowboys-coach-mike-mccarthy-returning-work-10-day-covid-19-protocols |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The Cowboys were upset at home 23–17 by the [[San Francisco 49ers]] in the [[2021–22 NFL playoffs|playoffs]] in the wild-card round. The game ended with the clock running out on the Cowboys following a [[Draw play|quarterback draw]] as they attempted to spike the ball to stop the clock to permit a final pass play.

McCarthy was particularly criticized for his decision to use a quarterback draw with 14 seconds left in the fourth quarter, instead of going for two or more passes from further out.<ref>{{Cite web|title=McCarthy explains what happened on Dak's game-ending scramble|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/cowboys-mike-mccarthy-explains-dak-prescotts-strange-late-scramble-vs-49ers|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=RSN|date=January 17, 2022}}</ref> McCarthy defended his decision, explaining that he was hoping to get another, easier play in after coming closer to the end zone and that he thought that 14 seconds was sufficient to allow his team to do this.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33083093/had-problem-getting-ball-spotted|title = Dallas Cowboys' Mike McCarthy defends QB draw play: 'Shouldn't have had problem getting ball spotted'|date = January 17, 2022}}</ref>

==== 2022 ====
Before the 2022 season, McCarthy was fined $100,000 by the NFL for violating offseason practice rules.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 17, 2022 |title=Mike McCarthy fined $100,000, Dallas Cowboys docked 2023 OTA for violating practice rules |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34103916/mike-mccarthy-fined-100000-dallas-cowboys-docked-2023-ota-violating-practice-rules |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> McCarthy canceled a preseason practice instead holding a team bonding golf event.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barash |first=Lauren |date=June 16, 2022 |title=Mike McCarthy cancels camp and sends Cowboys golfing for team bonding |url=https://thelandryhat.com/2022/06/16/cowboys-mike-mccarthy-cancels-camp-golfing-bonding/ |access-date=March 23, 2023 |work=The Landry Hat}}</ref>

For the [[2022 Dallas Cowboys season|2022 season]], McCarthy led the Cowboys to a 12–5 record, tying the 2021 season record and placing second in the NFC East.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys 2022 Games and Schedule |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2022/gamelog/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys Division Standings - NFL |url=https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys-team-standings |access-date=March 16, 2023 |work=FOX Sports}}</ref> During the 19–3 season-opening loss to the [[2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], quarterback [[Dak Prescott]] suffered a thumb fracture that required surgery and absence from the team until Week 7.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cowboys lean on defense in Prescott's return, top Lions 24-6 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401437795 |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite magazine |last=Coleman |first=Madeline |date=October 12, 2022 |title=Cowboys' Mike McCarthy Provides Update on Dak Prescott's Progress |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/10/12/cowboys-mike-mccarthy-provides-update-on-dak-prescott-progress |access-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref> McCarthy replaced him with backup quarterback [[Cooper Rush]] who went 4–1 over the next five games.<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cowboys move to 4-1 with Cooper Rush as defense suffocates Rams on road |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/cowboys-move-to-4-1-with-cooper-rush-as-defense-suffocates-rams-on-road-233205090.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |work=Yahoo Sports |date=October 9, 2022}}</ref> McCarthy dealt with other injuries from key players including safety Jayron Kearse and left tackle Tyron Smith.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2022 |title=Is hot seat fair to Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy as key injuries continue to mount? |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4775443/is-hot-seat-fair-to-dallas-cowboys-coach-mike-mccarthy-as-key-injuries-continue-to-mount |access-date=March 23, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Before a Week 9 game against the Packers, McCarthy got emotional about a return to Green Bay. He also said he was looking forward to seeing Aaron Rodgers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mike McCarthy laughs, wells up about return to Green Bay: 'This is bulls***' |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-mc-carthy-dallas-cowboys-coach-return-to-green-bay-packers-001210225.html |access-date=March 23, 2023 |work=Yahoo Sports |date=November 8, 2022}}</ref> 

McCarthy led the Cowboys to a 31–14 road victory in the Wild Card Round against the Buccaneers, which was [[Tom Brady]]'s last game of his career and the club's first road playoff victory in over 30 years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2023 |title=Mike McCarthy dancing with victory chain is must-see for Cowboys fans |url=https://thelandryhat.com/2023/01/17/mike-mccarthy-dancing-victory-chain-must-see-cowboys-fans-video/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |work=The Landry Hat}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shapiro |first=Emily |date=February 1, 2023 |title=Tom Brady announces retirement -- again |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/tom-brady-announces-retirement/story?id=96815178 |access-date=March 16, 2023 |work=ABC News}}</ref> Playing against the [[2022 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]] on the road, the Cowboys lost for the second year in a row to their longtime rival by a score of 19–12 and extended the franchise's streak to seven straight defeats in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Felt |first=Hunter |date=January 23, 2023 |title=The Dallas Cowboys keep rewriting the book of playoff incompetence |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jan/23/dallas-cowboys-playoff-loss-san-francisco-49ers-nfl-football |access-date=March 16, 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

==== 2023 ====
In January 2023, McCarthy announced that the Cowboys would be parting ways with offensive coordinator [[Kellen Moore]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=Todd |date=January 30, 2023 |title=Kellen Moore won't return as Cowboys offensive coordinator |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35554764/kellen-moore-cowboys-offensive-coordinator-sources-say |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> He also parted ways with six other coaches.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hill Jr. |first=Clarence E. |date=January 26, 2023 |title=Dallas Cowboys making changes: Mike McCarthy declines to renew contracts of 6 coaches |work=Fort Worth Star Telegram |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article271664872.html |access-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref> In February 2023, team owner Jerry Jones stated that McCarthy would call plays during the following season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jerry Jones confirms Mike McCarthy will call Cowboys plays in 2023 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/jerry-jones-confirms-mike-mccarthy-will-call-cowboys-plays-in-2023-210202934.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |work=Yahoo Sports |date=February 2023}}</ref> McCarthy new hires included offensive coordinator [[Brian Schottenheimer]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Henderson |first=Cydney |title=Cowboys hire Brian Schottenheimer as offensive coordinator, but Mike McCarthy will call plays |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2023/02/04/cowboys-brian-schottenheimer-offensive-coordinator-mike-mccarthy-call-plays/11187991002/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |work=USA TODAY}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hamm |first=Timm |date=February 16, 2023 |title=Cowboys Hire 2 New Coaches to Help Mike McCarthy Offense |work=Sports Illustrates - Fan Nation |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news/dallas-cowboys-hire-ramon-chinyoung-assistant-offensive-line-coach |access-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref>

The Cowboys overpowered opposing teams with its offense, boasting a top-five rank in total yards and scoring. Prescott flourished and CeeDee Lamb emerged as one of the league's best wide receivers. The Cowboys were ranked second heading to the NFC playoffs and faced McCarthy's old team the [[Green Bay Packers]] at home, but the wild-card matchup against the youngest team in the league ended in embarrassment. Dallas experienced a 27-0 deficit before halftime, before losing in a 48-32 blowout. The result brought forth questions about McCarthy's job security, that forced Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to release a statement confirming that he would retain McCarthy as head coach, saying the team is "very close and capable of achieving our ultimate goals."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Archer |first=Tom|date=January 17, 2024 |title=Dallas Cowboys to retain Mike McCarthy as head coach |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39331813/sources-cowboys-retain-mike-mccarthy-head-coach |access-date=March 16, 2024}}</ref> The Cowboys also became the first team in the Super Bowl era to win 12 games in three straight seasons but not be able to reach a conference title game in that stretch.

==== 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>