Minute-by-minute, story-by-story, we will report on what's going on here inside The Star and around the NFL in our Cowboys Coaching Carousel.
Literally the moment the Patriots made it official with Mike Vrabel, the Cowboys head coach position opens up with Mike McCarthy out.
Plus, the Cowboys were on-brand in their handling of Mike McCarthy, and thoughts about future contracts for Sam Darnold and Brock Purdy.
Week 18 is pivotal in the NFL league year for various reasons. There are many moving parts. Draft order chaos consumes the cellar-dwelling fan bases. Teams are
Mike Vrabel made a triumphant return to New England as head coach of the Patriots on Monday. A former linebacker and Super Bowl champion under Bill Belichick, Vrabel said he felt the move back to Foxborough, Mass., was right "in his soul." Vrabel previously coached the Tennessee Titans and spent last season as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns.
The NFL coaching carousel is spinning slowly. The Jets, Saints and Bears got a head start in their searches because they fired coaches during the season. The Jaguars and Raiders joined the hunt last week. The Cowboys jumped in Monday so they have to wait to interview assistants on playoff teams because the first window passed.
The Jets are said to value experience with next coach, Giants could take time to make decision on Brian Daboll
Multiple reports indicated the Cowboys and McCarthy broke off contract talks on Monday because they couldn't agree on the length of a new deal. McCarthy's contract ended at the end of the season with Dallas holding exclusive negotiating rights until midnight on Jan. 14.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, "Sources: Mike McCarthy is out as #Cowboys coach. The sides couldn't agree on length of contract and McCarthy will pursue other opportunities. He leaves Dallas with a winning record and three playoff appearances."
UNC head coach Bill Belichick supported the New England Patriots appointment of his former linebacker Mike Vrabel following the firing of Jerod Mayo after one NFL season
With six teams still searching for a head coach, we did our best to predict NFL coaching hires based on the best fit.