Even though several teams have moved to the second phase of the interview process, the Dallas Cowboys still have not made a decision on Mike McCarthy.
It is important to note that Jerry Jones is no stranger to dragging out this process. Even though the writing was on the wall with Jason Garrett after the 2019 season, it took Jones over a week to announce Garrett's firing.
A similar timeline could be enacted with McCarthy, but Jones doesn't appear to be in any rush to disclose the franchise's direction.
McCarthy's contract does not expire until Jan. 14. It had been reported that he'd generate interest from other teams who have head coach openings. Even though he is technically still under contract, that has held true.
ESPN's Adam Schefter and Todd Archer have reported that the Chicago Bears have asked permission to interview McCarthy for their head coach vacancy. The Bears are waiting a response from Dallas.
Bears want to interview Cowboys' Mike McCarthy for their head coach opening
Schefter notes that if the Cowboys don't allow permission this week, Chicago could interview McCarthy after his exclusive negotiating window with Dallas expires on Jan. 14.
Jerry Jones stated as recently as Sunday night that he would allow McCarthy to speak with other teams. Jones likened it to granting Ezekiel Elliott's release and said it's "not healthy to have somebody around that wants to be somewhere else."
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Regardless if Jones grants McCarthy permission to speak with the Bears, this gives McCarthy significant leverage over Jones. The 82-year-old will play it off that losing McCarthy wouldn't be a huge deal, but he has hinted to the media that he wants McCarthy back.
Simply put, McCarthy would be a great hire for the Bears. That franchise needs a winner and a culture-builder. McCarthy has won over 60% of his games in 18 years as a head coach. The Cowboys, who were perfectly average under Jason Garrett, have been a perennial lock for 12 wins under McCarthy when healthy.
For McCarthy, the Bears could be an attractive landing spot.
While the jury is still out on general manager Ryan Poles, McCarthy would inherit a talented roster. 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams has star potential and McCarthy has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks. Chicago is also projected to have the fifth-most cap space in the NFL.
The cherry on top? McCarthy is extremely familiar with the NFC North. He won six NFC North titles with the Packers and is a career 57-24-2 against the division. Granted, the NFC North is arguably the best division in football now, but McCarthy's track record is definitely appealing to a franchise that's a combined 1-17 in the division over the last three years.
Jerry Jones is playing a dangerous game.