Mike McCarthy could leave as a free agent, if he wants

For most of the season, it was assumed that the Cowboys would move on from coach Mike McCarthy in 2025. In recent weeks, the tide has turned.

From owner Jerry Jones saying it's "not crazy" to think McCarthy could return to quarterback Dak Prescott "wholeheartedly" supporting McCarthy to linebacker Micah Parsons expressing a preference that McCarthy come back, things are suddenly looking up for the Super Bowl-winning coach.

On Monday, former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman said he expects McCarthy to return. After Monday night's loss to the Bengals, Jones was asked whether he believes McCarthy could indeed get another year.

"Well, let me just say this quickly, and Mike is an outstanding coach," Jones told reporters. "He has an outstanding record. He's got great experience. A lot of what he's about, some of the benefits that we're having out there, we're gaining from the type of coach that he is. And so there's an old adage: When you start thinking about any coaches, you better give it a good look, because he's one of the most outstanding. I think he just passed [Bill] Parcells in this won-loss percentage."

So why is the issue constantly framed as being Jerry's prerogative? It's a two-way street. McCarthy's contract will expire. He can be fired without a buyout. He can leave as a free agent.

Few coaches ever do that. McCarthy could. Whether it's the Bears, the Jets, the Saints, or someone else, he could tell Jerry to take that job and shove it, sideways.

That's not to say he would or he should. He could. And if other teams are interested, he'll have every right to explore whatever opportunities come his way.