In a surprising move, former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has announced that he will not be coaching in the upcoming 2025 NFL season. McCarthy, who led the Cowboys from 2020 until his departure earlier this month, revealed his decision in a statement released Monday, confirming his intention to focus on the 2026 hiring cycle.
The announcement comes after a tumultuous 2024 season that saw the Cowboys finish with a respectable 10-7 record, but fall short of expectations in the playoffs. McCarthy, who led the Packers to a Super Bowl title in 2011, was under increasing scrutiny after the Cowboys’ early playoff exit. Though his tenure in Dallas was marked by some success, including a NFC East title in 2021, McCarthy faced pressure to deliver deeper postseason runs, especially following a high-profile roster overhaul and significant investments in talent.
Despite this, McCarthy’s decision to sit out the 2025 season has raised eyebrows across the NFL. Sources close to the coach suggest that the 60-year-old is taking a step back to reflect on his career, recalibrate his approach to coaching, and prepare for the next phase of his professional life. The former coach of the Packers and Cowboys cited the upcoming 2026 hiring cycle as the perfect time to re-enter the coaching carousel, positioning himself for opportunities that may arise with franchises seeking new leadership.
“After much reflection and discussions with my family and close friends, I’ve decided to take the 2025 season off from coaching,” McCarthy stated. “I believe this time will allow me to refocus, recharge, and gain a fresh perspective. The 2026 hiring cycle offers an exciting opportunity, and I look forward to exploring my next steps in the NFL at that time. I have a deep passion for the game, and I’m confident that with the right alignment, I can contribute to a team’s success once again.”
McCarthy’s decision to pause his career comes amid the growing trend of older, experienced coaches taking time away from the rigors of the NFL grind. It’s also seen as a strategic move in an environment where teams are increasingly prioritizing long-term development over immediate results. McCarthy, who has over 25 years of NFL experience, is widely respected as an offensive-minded coach with a proven track record. His time with the Packers not only included a Super Bowl win, but also the development of Aaron Rodgers into one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
While McCarthy’s future in the league remains uncertain for the 2025 season, it’s clear that he remains a highly sought-after coaching candidate. Teams in need of a stable and proven leader will likely keep a close eye on his decision to return in 2026. His vast knowledge of the game, coupled with a Super Bowl championship pedigree, ensures that he won’t be without suitors for long when the next wave of NFL coaching vacancies opens up.
As McCarthy takes the year off to assess his future, NFL fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on his potential return to the sidelines. If his past success is any indication, the next chapter in McCarthy’s career could be just around the corner.
