So what was the sticking point as the Cowboys’ Jerry Jones and coach Mike Fisher mutually agreed to part ways?

Weeks after being unable to come to a contract agreement with the Cowboys, Mike McCarthy has decided he will not coach in the NFL in 2025 and will instead focus on the 2026 hiring cycle, per NFL Network.

Former #Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy has decided to focus on the 2026 hiring cycle and will not coach in the NFL this season, sources tell me and @RapSheet. McCarthy, who has made the playoffs 12 times in 18 seasons, is expected to be a strong candidate a year from now. pic.twitter.com/Vr8mMijIkq

After careful consideration, Mike McCarthy has made a decision on his future. The former Dallas Cowboys ' head coach has decided to forego coaching in the NFL next season, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. MORE: Cowboys' VP Will McClay emphasizes organizational alignment with Brian Schottenheimer

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones discussed the exit of former head coach Mike McCarthy after he was eventually replaced by offensive coordinator

With options thin on both sides, could Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys decide to run it back for the 2025 season?

Mike McCarthy has pulled himself out of the Saints head coach search. NFL Network reports he’s taking the year off and will look for work in 2026:

If the Cowboys played things differently, they could have had their all-star coaching staff. | From @ReidDHanson

The former Cowboys fullback also discussed a ‘very challenging’ aspect Schottenheimer will face as a first-time head coach.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the former Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers headman removed himself from the New Orleans Saints head coaching race last night. McCarthy’s intentions will now be on the 2026 head coaching cycle.

McCarthy is widely seen as a better head-coaching candidate than Schottenheimer, who had never served as a head coach before this month.