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Cowboys owner Jerry Jones issues an ultimatum to Mike McCarthy amid a wave of head coach firings following Week 18

Dallas, Texas – January 8, 2026

In the wake of the Baltimore Ravens firing longtime head coach John Harbaugh following Week 18, speculation has intensified across the NFL about potential coaching changes — and the Dallas Cowboys have found themselves in the spotlight. Amid the swirling rumors, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has publicly defended head coach Mike McCarthy, emphasizing stability and the value of retaining him despite escalating chatter about his potential dismissal.

Jones acknowledged the growing pressure league-wide for teams to make dramatic coaching moves, but stressed that McCarthy remains the best option for Dallas.
“We are confident in Mike and the leadership he brings to this team,” Jones said. “A lot of noise surrounds coaching decisions this time of year, but our focus is on what is best for the Cowboys long-term.”

The comments come amid reports that McCarthy’s contract carries a significant financial commitment, making any potential buyout or replacement extraordinarily costly. League insiders note that the salary implications of firing McCarthy could deter many rivals from pushing for a change.

McCarthy has led the Cowboys to winning seasons in multiple years, though his playoff record remains under scrutiny. Jones emphasized that success must be measured beyond short-term postseason outcomes, citing McCarthy’s ability to develop quarterbacks and maintain consistency in Dallas’ offense.

In a statement reflecting on his commitment to the team, McCarthy said:

“My heart has always belonged to Dallas — to this organization, this locker room, and the responsibility I’ve carried for so many years. No matter what the future holds, that connection will not change. This is not about walking away, but about reflecting on how I can continue to contribute to this team and the game of football in the right way.”

While the NFL undergoes a wave of coaching movement after Harbaugh’s departure — including speculation involving several high-profile head coaching candidates — Jones’ remarks signal a commitment to continuity and strategic planning over reactionary decisions.

“The financial cost, the disruption to the team, and the leadership Mike provides all factor into our decision-making,” Jones said. “We are building a sustainable path forward, and we are confident in our head coach to guide this team.”

As Cowboys fans prepare for the postseason, the front office’s stance makes it clear: Mike McCarthy is not going anywhere for now, and Dallas intends to maintain stability at the helm despite league-wide turbulence.

Just Three Hours After Being Released by the Packers, 2× Pro Bowl Star Deletes Every Post About Green Bay After His Attempt to Take a Pay Cut to Stay Was Rejected — His Vow Never to Return Leaves Packers Nation in Sympathy .
Green Bay, Wisconsin – The offseason took an emotional turn for the Green Bay Packers when the organization decided to release veteran offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins as part of a salary-cap adjustment. But what happened just hours later turned the situation into one of the most emotional storylines of the week across the NFL. According to multiple reports, Jenkins — a two-time Pro Bowl selection and former All-Pro honoree — had attempted to negotiate with the team and even offered to take a pay cut in order to remain with the franchise that originally drafted him. The effort ultimately fell short as Green Bay chose to move forward with a roster reset, clearing nearly $20 million in cap space for the 2026 season. Just three hours after the release became official, fans began noticing something unusual on Jenkins’ social media accounts. Every post connected to his years in Green Bay — from locker room celebrations to photos wearing the iconic green-and-gold uniform — had quietly disappeared. Jenkins had been one of the pillars of the Packers’ offensive line since being selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State. Throughout multiple seasons, he built a reputation for rare versatility, capable of playing guard, tackle, and center at an elite level, and was widely regarded as one of the most reliable and flexible offensive linemen in the league. At his peak, Jenkins was often described as Green Bay’s “secret weapon” on the offensive front. He protected multiple quarterbacks over the years and helped anchor an offense that consistently remained competitive during several playoff runs. His ability to seamlessly shift across nearly every position along the offensive line made him one of the most trusted players inside the Packers’ locker room. At first, the decision to erase those memories surprised many fans. But once reports surfaced that Jenkins had been willing to sacrifice financially just to remain with the team, the reaction across Packers Nation quickly shifted from shock to empathy. Green Bay will always hold a special place in my heart because it’s where my journey truly began. But sometimes you fight to stay somewhere and still realize that chapter has ended, and when that moment comes, the only thing you can do is walk away with respect for every memory that was built there. While Jenkins did not criticize the organization, sources close to the situation say the emotional weight of the release influenced his decision to remove the posts. What surprised many even more was the report that Jenkins has told people close to him that he does not plan to return to Green Bay at any point in his career, choosing instead to start an entirely new chapter elsewhere in the NFL. Yet instead of anger, the reaction from Packers fans has largely been one of understanding. For many supporters, Jenkins’ willingness to take a pay cut simply reinforced what they had long believed. He wasn’t just protecting the quarterback on Sundays.He was trying to protect a home he once hoped would last his entire career.