McCarthy was given his marching orders by the organisation after both parties could not, according to reports, agree on a new deal and the coach expressed a desire to explore new opportunities. His current deal was set to expire this week.
The former Green Bay Packers head coach started the role back in 2020 and finishes with a winning record, taking the Cowboys to three playoffs, with their run to the NFC Divisional round in 2023 a highlight with the Texas side.
The announcement comes just two weeks after team owner Jerry Jones seemed confident he could re-sign McCarthy.
He told 105.3 The Fan: “I assure you I have been, for weeks, thinking about how we go forward. I feel good about Mike McCarthy.”
That has now changed at the 11th hour with McCarthy able to talk to other teams in the NFL as of Tuesday, January 14th. Two reported interested sides are the New Orleans Saints and the Chicago Bears, both of whom missed the playoffs this season.
McCarthy has pedigree in the sport and is likely to be snapped up in the coming days, having won a SuperBowl during his time in Green Bay, whilst showing he can work with star quarterbacks.