Former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy needs to have a good year
The Green Bay Packers got a roller coaster experience with Mike McCarthy. The former Packers’ head coach had success in his early days. McCarthy’s first three-of-five seasons were overall winners. The fifth season culminated in a Super Bowl victory.
But after the 2010 season, McCarthy couldn’t keep up with the Packers’ expectations. Frustrating playoff losses and losing seasons in 2017-2018 led to his ouster from the Packers. His .618 winning percentage couldn’t save a coach who had the most talented quarterback in the league, Aaron Rodgers.
McCarthy became the Dallas Cowboys head coach
McCarthy failed upwards to become the head coach of “America’s Team“, the Dallas Cowboys, in 2020. His first season was rough, as the Cowboys had a 6-10 season with a talented roster. Many analysts felt the team underperformed. 2021 was much better for McCarthy.
The Cowboys went 12-5 in the regular season and had some dominating performances. But they lost at home in the playoffs to the San Francisco 49ers. Much like Packers head coach Matt LaFleur would do the following week.
Former Packers head coach McCarthy is on the hot seat in 2022
With the Cowboys’ talent, McCarthy is supposed to have the Cowboys go further than the wild card round. The team has a tremendous young defense this year, with Micah Parsons leading the way. Elite NFL quarterback Dak Prescott is running the Cowboys’ offense. Expectations are high.
Connor Orr of Sports Illustrated recently came out with a list of coaches on the hot seat this season. McCarthy is on the list of coaches “in question.” Orr explains that it’s fair to wonder if teams will make a change if certain standards aren’t met. Here’s why the former Packers head coach is on the list:
“Let’s be honest: If Jerry Jones has a crack at [Sean] Payton, he’s taking it. He also has one of the most sought-after young offensive minds in football, Kellen Moore, on staff, and Dan Quinn as his defensive coordinator. If the Cowboys marginally underperform, there’s no way this doesn’t get complicated.”
Good chance of underperformance incoming
Packers fans will attest they’ve seen plenty of underperforming by McCarthy. McCarthy had the talent in Green Bay to win another Super Bowl. His decisions in the playoffs were inexcusable. I don’t see McCarthy doing much better than what he was able to do last year with the Cowboys. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will likely have another “yes man” for the 2023 season.
