AP source: Cowboys pick McCarthy to replace Garrett as coach
By SCHUYLER DIXON AP Pro Football Writer
DALLAS (AP) -- A person with direct knowledge of the agreement says the Dallas Cowboys and Mike McCarthy have reached a deal for the former Green Bay coach to succeed Jason Garrett.
McCarthy interviewed over the weekend before the Cowboys had officially announced that Garrett wasn't returning.
Garrett had an expiring contract coming off a make-or-break season that ended with Dallas missing the playoffs for the sixth time in his nine full seasons.
The 56-year-old McCarthy won a Super Bowl with the Packers on the Cowboys' home field nine years ago.
Mike McCarthy tells me he just signed with the #Cowboys. Done deal. He’s their new head coach.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 6, 2020
Scoopage alert: the @dallascowboys have agreed to terms with Mike McCarthy to be their new head coach. Announcement and press conference expected later this week @NFLonFOX#cowboys
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 6, 2020
McCarthy coached the Packers for 13 years, making the playoffs nine times and winning a Superbowl in 2011.
“You know he’s a great coach," defensive end Dean Lowry said. "He’s a very good person. Somebody that everyday, he was just a hard worker guy, so, he was always pushing us too. So he deserves it.”
Things ended poorly for McCarthy in 2018. He was fired after a loss dropped the team to 4-7-1, and McCarthy criticized how the team handled the situation. But his former Green Bay players think he can return to his winning ways in Dallas.
Good to see coach Mike getting that opportunity to go coach his fundamentals and go get those guys into whipping shape," wide receiver Jake Kumerow said. "I think he’s going to be great down there, and I wish the best for him and the guys.”
McCarthy's contract in Dallas runs for five years, according to ESPN.