Mike McCarthy, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, finds himself in the hot seat yet again after the team’s disappointing 7-9 record heading into the final week of the season.

In light of rumors of other teams potentially wanting McCarthy, when asked if he hopes to return as the Cowboys’ head coach next season, he sidestepped the question, saying, “We have to finish the race. We’ll have time to talk about that next week” (per Cowboys reporter Josh Tolentino).

While McCarthy’s response attempted to keep the focus on the current season, it underscores the growing scrutiny he faces after another underwhelming campaign.

The Cowboys, once a perennial playoff contender, now risk ending the season with a losing record for the second time in McCarthy’s tenure. This has reignited debates about whether he is the right leader to bring America’s Team back to prominence.

McCarthy’s tenure in Dallas has been a rollercoaster of unfulfilled expectations. After being hired in 2020 to replace Jason Garrett, McCarthy was touted as the coach who could restore the Cowboys to championship contention. Armed with a proven track record that included a Super Bowl title with the Green Bay Packers, he seemed like a perfect fit for a team brimming with offensive talent.

However, McCarthy’s debut season in 2020 was a disappointment. The Cowboys stumbled to a 6-10 finish, though the loss of quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-ending injury offered some explanation for their struggles. The defense, however, was a glaring issue, ranking among the worst in franchise history.

The 2021 season showed promise as the Cowboys rebounded to a 12-5 record and captured the NFC East title. Yet, their playoff hopes were dashed in the Wild Card round by the San Francisco 49ers, raising questions about McCarthy’s ability to succeed in high-stakes games. Critics pointed to clock management issues and questionable decisions as contributing factors to the defeat.

Fast forward to the 2024 season, and the Cowboys are once again falling short of expectations.

Despite a roster featuring stars like Prescott (though he is injured, the Boys weren’t anything special with him at the helm this season), Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb, the team sits at 7-9, eliminated from playoff contention before Week 18. For a franchise that measures success in Super Bowls, a second losing season in four years under McCarthy’s leadership has cast doubt on his future.

McCarthy’s deflection when asked about his future reflects the uncertainty surrounding his tenure. Owner Jerry Jones has historically been loyal to his head coaches, often giving them ample time to prove themselves. However, patience in Dallas is wearing thin, seemingly on both ends.