Mike McCarthy's job with Dallas Cowboys believed to be 'safe' regardless of playoff results

After last season’s Dallas Cowboys went 12-5, looking like one of the best teams in the NFL, coach Mike McCarthy’s squad came up short in the Wild Card round, losing to the San Francisco 49ers 23-17. This was an unexpected outcome that led to rumors of McCarthy possibly getting the boot from team owner Jerry Jones, which ultimately didn’t happen.

Once again, we’re seeing a high-powered offense that ranks fourth in scoring and a defense that allows the fifth-fewest points per game from the Cowboys, as Dallas finished with the same exact win-loss record as last season.

Now, the Cowboys are set to play Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round on Monday night, and there’s once again a sense that if McCarthy’s players come up short against a below .500 team, that Dallas could promptly have a head coaching vacancy.

But not according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, who reports McCarthy’s status as the Cowboys head coach is “safe” no matter how the team performs during the postseason. He also added that Sean Payton, who’s widely regarded as Jones’ top target should the Cowboys make a move, is not perceiving Dallas as a possible landing spot during this current hiring cycle.

While Rapoport’s notes simply pass along more of what Jones said earlier this week, it’s yet another indicator that the Cowboys are not considering a coaching change any time soon.

With offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn viewed as top football coaching candidates around the NFL, it appears Jones is more than pleased with his current staff in Dallas. Then again, we could see Moore or Quinn take jobs elsewhere if the Cowboys do find some postseason success, causing a shift in Dallas.