Report: McCarthy to focus on 2026, won't coach this year

Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has decided to focus on the 2026 hiring cycle and won't coach in the NFL this season, sources told Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

McCarthy spent the last five seasons with the Cowboys but wasn't able to agree to terms on a new contract with the team after his deal expired at the end of the 2024 campaign. The 61-year-old posted a 49-35 regular-season record in Dallas but failed to help the franchise get over the playoff hump and left with a 1-3 postseason mark.

He generated interest from the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints this year, but the Bears ended up hiring Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson instead.

McCarthy's decision not to coach in 2025 comes after the Saints had an in-person interview with Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore on Monday. Moore is considered the favorite for the Saints job, but a deal can't be finalized yet with the Eagles set to play in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The Saints have also had second interviews with New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.

McCarthy is reportedly expected to be a strong coaching candidate in 2026. The veteran sideline boss previously coached the Green Bay Packers from 2006-2018, going 125-77-2 and helping the team win a Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers.

There were seven NFL head coaching vacancies in 2025, including the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. New Orleans is the only job still available.