Mike McCarthy finds himself in a peculiar spot as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. While his résumé speaks for itself — three straight 12-5 seasons and a Super Bowl title from his Green Bay days — the ever-demanding Cowboys' fan base and ownership seem to expect more.
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And as Dallas improved to 5-7 with a gritty Thanksgiving Day win over the New York Giants, Tom Brady weighed in with high praise for the coach many believe is on the hot seat.
Brady, appearing on FOX's broadcast, described McCarthy as "one of the better coaches in the NFL" and praised his leadership, quarterback development, and "championship DNA." That's lofty praise coming from one of the greatest players in league history.
But even with such endorsements, the writing might be on the wall for McCarthy unless he guides the Cowboys on a deep playoff run this season.
It's not just Brady showing respect, either. Other NFL minds have lauded McCarthy for keeping the Cowboys competitive, even with Dak Prescott sidelined for the season with a hamstring injury. Back-to-back divisional wins over the Commanders and Giants are no small feat, especially given Dallas' shaky early-season play. Whatever happens next, it's clear McCarthy hasn't lost the locker room.
Owner Jerry Jones, never one to shy away from a headline, didn't exactly provide clarity when asked about McCarthy's future. At 82 years old, Jones remains laser-focused on a return to Super Bowl glory, and with McCarthy's lame-duck status entering this season, the leash is short.
If the Cowboys make a late-season push, McCarthy's critics may soften. But in Dallas, the pressure is relentless, and McCarthy, like so many before him, knows his job is only as secure as the next big win. For now, though, Brady's endorsement provides a rare moment of support in a stormy season.
