McCarthy expected to return as Cowboys coach in 2022

The Dallas Cowboys expect head coach Mike McCarthy to return for a third season in 2022 despite their disappointing first-round playoff exit.

"Absolutely," executive vice president Stephen Jones told 105.3 The Fan when asked if he was confident McCarthy will be back. "Very confident."

McCarthy guided the Cowboys to a 12-5 mark and an NFC East title, but Dallas fell 23-17 to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday to end its season unceremoniously.

The 58-year-old owns an 18-15 record over two seasons in Dallas. The Cowboys led the NFL in penalties in 2021 and suffered from a lack of discipline against the 49ers with 14 flags coming back to bite them.

McCarthy has faced heavy scrutiny throughout his tenure for a perceived lack of attention to detail. He replaced Jason Garrett in 2020.

The Cowboys have won just four playoff games since winning their last Super Bowl in 1996. McCarthy won Super Bowl XLV with the Green Bay Packers in 2011.