Mike McCarthy ruined Jerry Jones master plan for Jason Witten

Maybe Jerry Jones should have made sure Mike McCarthy was good with the plan first.

Jason Witten / Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

It seems as though Jerry Jones had a master plan for the Dallas Cowboys head coaching position, which was surely flawless in his mind.

NFL insider Jane Slater said Jones, who is on record saying he sees Jason Witten as a future NFL head coach, spoke with Witten about a position on the team "in recent weeks."She believes that Jones wanted Witten to be groomed to become the future head coach — making him the potential heir to McCarthy.

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Slater said McCarthy then "surprised" Jones by deciding to pursue other options.

A lot to unpack here. Been on the phone non stop here is what I’ve gathered from Deion to Witt to Kellen. Jerry is currently on a solo mission. No official interviews or calls even placed to some. Here is what I have gathered for you. #CowboysHCSearch pic.twitter.com/9OzVVwy7Cz

— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) January 15, 2025

If that sounds familiar, it should. This seems similar to the situation when Jones hand-picked Jason Garrett as a future coach, forcing him on Wade Phillips. That led to Phillips becoming the first (and only) coach Jones has ever fired in-season.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

McCarthy, who had plenty of other reasons to walk away, would be wise to avoid such an arrangement. It was the right move for him and it's forced Jones to do something he should have been doing long ago — begin searching for a replacement.

It's crazy to think Jones had a full year to come up with a plan but ended up with none whatsoever. It's worrisome for the fan base but also a stark reminder that Jones is going to do things his way, no matter the consequences.

That's why it's always a soap opera 365 days a year in Dallas.

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