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Dallas Cowboys: Mike McCarthy is Andy Reid caliber addition

By Brad Austin

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 08: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 08: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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With Wednesday’s announcement of Mike McCarthy as the new head coach, the Dallas Cowboys unveiled an Andy Reid caliber upgrade.

On Wednesday, owner and general manager Jerry Jones officially announced the new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys will be legendary Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy. His 7-3 record against Dallas should prove his capabilities in the eyes of fans.

For deeper reference, McCarthy lost to the Cowboys in each of his first two meetings as a head coach (2007-08). He then reeled off seven wins in the final eight battles.

Upon hearing news McCarthy was a real possibility, I read a few articles comparing his past performance to New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton. Those were relevant, but the one name that filled my head immediately was Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.

I’m surely not the only one who saw this comparison. There was a sizable amount of public skepticism after the Philadelphia Eagles fired Reid in 2012. Some were quick to call him washed up. I also recall shaking my head at that nonsense.

MCCARTHY-REID SIMILARITIES ARE PLENTY

Those invested in NFL football since Jerry Jones won his first Super Bowl in the 90’s know the history. Both coaches have heavy ties to the Green Bay Packers. Reid was a Mike Holmgren protege (1992-98) before becoming head man in Philly.

McCarthy took over the Packers reins in the next century (2006-18) and was the general of their 21st century national prowess. Holmgren/Reid/Brett Favre were swapped with McCarthy/Aaron Rodgers. All five are Packers legends.

Moving on to Reid being canned by Philadelphia in 2012. After a divisional title and 10-6 record in 2010, Reid was 12-20 (38 percent) his last two Eagles seasons.

McCarthy was fired by Green Bay in 2018. In 2016 he also won a division title with a 10-6 record. His final two Packers seasons had a record of 11-16 (41 percent).

Let’s look closer at their performances during initial head coaching gigs they were released from after great success.

REID (EAGLES)

  • Seasons: 14 (1999-2012)
  • Record: 130-93-1 (.583)
  • Division Titles: 6
  • Playoff Seasons: 9
  • Playoff Record: 10-9 (.526)
  • Conference Title Games: 5 (1-4 record)
  • Super Bowl Appearances: 1 (0-1 record)

MCCARTHY (PACKERS) 

  • Seasons: 13 (2006-18)
  • Record: 125-77-2 (.618)
  • Division Titles: 6
  • Playoff Seasons: 9
  • Playoff Record: 10-8 (.556)
  • Conference Title Games: 4 (1-3 record)
  • Super Bowl Appearances: 1 (1-0 record)

The performance similarities in their initial head coaching stints are astounding. Reid was given new life and fresh scenery in Kansas City and has done wonders there. A Super Bowl appearance is a very real possibility this season.

dark. Next. Unveiling the Dallas Cowboys 2010-19 All-Decade Team

The Dallas Cowboys just hired one heck of a solid, veteran head coach in Mike McCarthy. Just as the Kansas City Chiefs did with Andy Reid. Expect the results to be immediate and lasting. See you in the 2020 playoffs, Cowboys fans! Hat tip to Jerry Jones.

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