Big Mac is essentially in Wade Phillips’ shoes

[Bobhaze]

Listening to our 78 year old owner GM cry and drop F bombs the other day at his “State of the Cowboys” presser, I was struck by three things: 1. Jerry is old and is running out of time to play fantasy football GM and he knows it. 2. He isn’t really willing to “do anything to win another SB” or he would have already done it. 3. True or not- JJ believes he has enough talent to win the big one now.

Which leads me to this simple point- Mike McCarthy is not on a Jason Garrett-like long leash that gives him a decade to win something. In fact, IMO Big Mac is in a position very similar to the one Wade Phillips was in over a decade ago- Win now or else.

Here are some reasons I believe this:

• Jerry hired Big Mac as a “win now” coach. Not a developmental project.
• JJ prefers having a coach he can take some credit for developing into a winner- like Garrett was. (His current pet project and HC in waiting may be Kellen Moore)
• Big Mac fits a very narrow expectation Jerry has for his HCs-
  • They must be able to tolerate his intrusions. (Most HCs wouldn’t)
  • They must NOT be seen as stronger or more in control than him.
• If this team doesn’t at least win a couple of playoff games, I think Big Mac is in danger of a firing.

I hope Mike McCarthy is successful because I want the Cowboys to finally crawl from their qtr century of playoff irrelevance. He better win because I think he’s on the shortest of HC leashes. Another year of not making the playoffs or even a first round exit is probably an exit sign for the Mike McCarthy era.

 

[waving monkey]

Listening to our 78 year old owner GM cry and drop F bombs the other day at his “State of the Cowboys” presser, I was struck by three things: 1. Jerry is old and is running out of time to play fantasy football GM and he knows it. 2. He isn’t really willing to “do anything to win another SB” or he would have already done it. 3. True or not- JJ believes he has enough talent to win the big one now.

Which leads me to this simple point- Mike McCarthy is not on a Jason Garrett-like long leash that gives him a decade to win something. In fact, IMO Big Mac is in a position very similar to the one Wade Phillips was in over a decade ago- Win now or else.

Here are some reasons I believe this:

• Jerry hired Big Mac as a “win now” coach. Not a developmental project.
• JJ prefers having a coach he can take some credit for developing into a winner- like Garrett was. (His current pet project and HC in waiting may be Kellen Moore)
• Big Mac fits a very narrow expectation Jerry has for his HCs-
  • They must be able to tolerate his intrusions. (Most HCs wouldn’t)
  • They must NOT be seen as stronger or more in control than him.
• If this team doesn’t at least win a couple of playoff games, I think Big Mac is in danger of a firing.

I hope Mike McCarthy is successful because I want the Cowboys to finally crawl from their qtr century of playoff irrelevance. He better win because I think he’s on the shortest of HC leashes. Another year of not making the playoffs or even a first round exit is probably an exit sign for the Mike McCarthy era.

I hope your right. Mac just doesn't do it for me

 

[tunahelper]

You are on target with Jerry wanting to win now I believe. Jerry has 10 years on earth maybe? How many years are coherent enough to pretend being the GM?

Any coach brought in is under the win now gun. If we draft well next year and sign some smart free agents we may well contend. This year needs to be about taking control of our division.

 

[viman96]

Jerry can easily talk himself into believing his current HC is right HC as well. Why? Because he hired the HC. I think McCarthy could lose a WC game and still be the HC next year, which then I believe he would be on a very short leash.

 

[ClappingCarrot]

I could see this. I feel like one of the main reasons we held onto Garrett so long in 2019 was because nobody on the staff could step in and act in the interim.

Now, you're basically out of excuses and the Joneses love Kellen and seem to love Dan Quinn. Fat Mike better plan on smashing a ton of watermelons this year.

 

[Point-of-the-Star]

Listening to our 78 year old owner GM cry and drop F bombs the other day at his “State of the Cowboys” presser, I was struck by three things: 1. Jerry is old and is running out of time to play fantasy football GM and he knows it. 2. He isn’t really willing to “do anything to win another SB” or he would have already done it. 3. True or not- JJ believes he has enough talent to win the big one now.

Which leads me to this simple point- Mike McCarthy is not on a Jason Garrett-like long leash that gives him a decade to win something. In fact, IMO Big Mac is in a position very similar to the one Wade Phillips was in over a decade ago- Win now or else.

Here are some reasons I believe this:

• Jerry hired Big Mac as a “win now” coach. Not a developmental project.
• JJ prefers having a coach he can take some credit for developing into a winner- like Garrett was. (His current pet project and HC in waiting may be Kellen Moore)
• Big Mac fits a very narrow expectation Jerry has for his HCs-
  • They must be able to tolerate his intrusions. (Most HCs wouldn’t)
  • They must NOT be seen as stronger or more in control than him.
• If this team doesn’t at least win a couple of playoff games, I think Big Mac is in danger of a firing.

I hope Mike McCarthy is successful because I want the Cowboys to finally crawl from their qtr century of playoff irrelevance. He better win because I think he’s on the shortest of HC leashes. Another year of not making the playoffs or even a first round exit is probably an exit sign for the Mike McCarthy era.

You always seem to summarize situations very well. I agree with this theory. All of it including KM being groomed.

Unfortunately I don't know enough about KM's personality and coaching style(s) to have an opinion if it's conducive to head coaching success in the NFL. I'm pretty satisfied with his offensive mind as OC.

I've never been a fan of MM but he fits the bill for a JJ hire. From what I've seen of him I'd rate him a 5 out of 10. The Mike Nolan hire and not correcting him on his defensive scheme install really soured me on Mike McFat.

 

[75boyz]

I have believed Moore was the next coach in training since Moore's promotion to OC, Jerry's Sean McVay comparison remarks and insistence that Moore's OC role be autonomous. Along with this is my opinion that whomever was hired as HC comes "with the understanding" that it's Kellen's offense.
How it all will play out in Kellen's eventual promotion to HC is still evolving.

jmo

 

[805BoysInBlue]

I thought you meant cause the boy genius who is his OC was forced upon him and ready to take his place for the next 10 years once he sabotages the head coach...

 

[Stash]

Listening to our 78 year old owner GM cry and drop F bombs the other day at his “State of the Cowboys” presser, I was struck by three things: 1. Jerry is old and is running out of time to play fantasy football GM and he knows it. 2. He isn’t really willing to “do anything to win another SB” or he would have already done it. 3. True or not- JJ believes he has enough talent to win the big one now.

Which leads me to this simple point- Mike McCarthy is not on a Jason Garrett-like long leash that gives him a decade to win something. In fact, IMO Big Mac is in a position very similar to the one Wade Phillips was in over a decade ago- Win now or else.

Here are some reasons I believe this:

• Jerry hired Big Mac as a “win now” coach. Not a developmental project.
• JJ prefers having a coach he can take some credit for developing into a winner- like Garrett was. (His current pet project and HC in waiting may be Kellen Moore)
• Big Mac fits a very narrow expectation Jerry has for his HCs-
  • They must be able to tolerate his intrusions. (Most HCs wouldn’t)
  • They must NOT be seen as stronger or more in control than him.
• If this team doesn’t at least win a couple of playoff games, I think Big Mac is in danger of a firing.

I hope Mike McCarthy is successful because I want the Cowboys to finally crawl from their qtr century of playoff irrelevance. He better win because I think he’s on the shortest of HC leashes. Another year of not making the playoffs or even a first round exit is probably an exit sign for the Mike McCarthy era.

I can see your points, but I do not agree on your conclusion. My reasoning is based on Jerry's own track record. He does NOT fire coaches and pay them for years afterwards not to coach. Mike McCarthy managed to get himself a 5-year deal and he's now only in year two. If Jerry were to fire him, he'd be forced to pay him for the next three years. Even worse, he would be admitting to another huge mistake in coaching evaluation, to go with his last 10-year flop. I can't see his ego allowing him to do that. Worst case scenario, I see Big Mike getting at least three years in Dallas, at a minimum.

 

[Diehardblues]

After missing the playoffs last couple years, winning the division should be enough for Jethro to sell not making a change.

And remember that just because Jethro sells it publicly he thinks we’re talented enough doesn’t mean he actually thinks we are.

As usual if we come up short of expectations which I believe a playoff appearance it is, he will he looking for scapegoats like with injuries, etc. Like if Dak went down again or a rash of other injuries, etc. Or the defense is horrid again.

We should be better this year if remain healthy on offense and defense is improved . But we don’t know if our divisional rivals have improved as well.

Biggest concern I have going in is our schedule. We could get off to an 0-2 or 0-3 type start before the schedule becomes more favorable. That alone could add more drama than needed and become an avalanche of sorts.

If we got off to a start anything similar to 2018 for example we could see a move in mid season. Our bye comes early in week 7. A 2-4 type start could create some rumblings within especially if injuries aren’t a scapegoat. A good start is vital for Mikey.

 

[Bobhaze]

I can see your points, but I do not agree on your conclusion. My reasoning is based on Jerry's own track record. He does NOT fire coaches and pay them for years afterwards not to coach. Mike McCarthy managed to get himself a 5-year deal and he's now only in year two. If Jerry were to fire him, he'd be forced to pay him for the next three years. Even worse, he would be admitting to another huge mistake in coaching evaluation, to go with his last 10-year flop. I can't see his ego allowing him to do that. Worst case scenario, I see Big Mike getting at least three years in Dallas, at a minimum.

After missing the playoffs last couple years, winning the division should be enough for Jethro to sell not making a change.

And remember that just because Jethro sells it publicly he thinks we’re talented enough doesn’t mean he actually thinks we are.

As usual if we come up short of expectations which I believe a playoff appearance it is, he will he looking for scapegoats like with injuries, etc.

Like if Dak went down again or a rash of other injuries, etc. Or the defense is horrid again.

We should be better this year if remain healthy on offense and defense is improved . But we don’t know if our divisional rivals have improved as well.

Biggest concern I have going in is our iOS ing schedule. We could get off to an 0-2 or 0-3 type start before the schedule becomes more favorable. That alone could add more drama than needed and become an avalanche of sorts.

If we got off to a start anything similar to 2018 for example we could see a move in mid season. Our bye comes early in week 7. A 2-4 type start could create some rumblings within especially if injuries aren’t a scapegoat. A good start is vital for Mikey.

Good points.

 

[Vtwin]

Assuming they don't win one in next couple years, the future has been written.

Kellen Moore will get the same if not more opportunity than JG did.

Best case, Jerry lives to see his boy win a SB, validating him as a GM.
Worst case, Jerry doesn't live to see it but at least his legacy will include his boy winning a SB, validating his legacy as a GM.

 

[Diehardblues]

If the Cowboys have success under Mikey and our offense is credited then Moore will receive opportunities elsewhere as HC.

 

[jterrell]

Listening to our 78 year old owner GM cry and drop F bombs the other day at his “State of the Cowboys” presser, I was struck by three things: 1. Jerry is old and is running out of time to play fantasy football GM and he knows it. 2. He isn’t really willing to “do anything to win another SB” or he would have already done it. 3. True or not- JJ believes he has enough talent to win the big one now.

Which leads me to this simple point- Mike McCarthy is not on a Jason Garrett-like long leash that gives him a decade to win something. In fact, IMO Big Mac is in a position very similar to the one Wade Phillips was in over a decade ago- Win now or else.

Here are some reasons I believe this:

• Jerry hired Big Mac as a “win now” coach. Not a developmental project.
• JJ prefers having a coach he can take some credit for developing into a winner- like Garrett was. (His current pet project and HC in waiting may be Kellen Moore)
• Big Mac fits a very narrow expectation Jerry has for his HCs-
  • They must be able to tolerate his intrusions. (Most HCs wouldn’t)
  • They must NOT be seen as stronger or more in control than him.
• If this team doesn’t at least win a couple of playoff games, I think Big Mac is in danger of a firing.

I hope Mike McCarthy is successful because I want the Cowboys to finally crawl from their qtr century of playoff irrelevance. He better win because I think he’s on the shortest of HC leashes. Another year of not making the playoffs or even a first round exit is probably an exit sign for the Mike McCarthy era.

You keep posting heaters. man. Kudos.
I do think there is a strong correlation between Wade/Mike.

I will say however that in this case Mike has more skins on the wall. Wade was great on defense BUT historically his defenses hit stride quickly and ride strong for 2-3 years before teams adjust and the defense falls off.
In Dallas, Mike doesn't own either side of ball so isn't quite so easy an out if one side falters.
While he can be blamed for his asst coach hires, reality is Jerry(plus Stephen/Will) has his say in those hires as well.

BUT, Jerry didn't step up and pay Kellen to keep him away from Boise to remain boy wonder forever.
He is most definitely the Head Coach in waiting.

 

[john van brocklin]

Listening to our 78 year old owner GM cry and drop F bombs the other day at his “State of the Cowboys” presser, I was struck by three things: 1. Jerry is old and is running out of time to play fantasy football GM and he knows it. 2. He isn’t really willing to “do anything to win another SB” or he would have already done it. 3. True or not- JJ believes he has enough talent to win the big one now.

Which leads me to this simple point- Mike McCarthy is not on a Jason Garrett-like long leash that gives him a decade to win something. In fact, IMO Big Mac is in a position very similar to the one Wade Phillips was in over a decade ago- Win now or else.

Here are some reasons I believe this:

• Jerry hired Big Mac as a “win now” coach. Not a developmental project.
• JJ prefers having a coach he can take some credit for developing into a winner- like Garrett was. (His current pet project and HC in waiting may be Kellen Moore)
• Big Mac fits a very narrow expectation Jerry has for his HCs-
  • They must be able to tolerate his intrusions. (Most HCs wouldn’t)
  • They must NOT be seen as stronger or more in control than him.
• If this team doesn’t at least win a couple of playoff games, I think Big Mac is in danger of a firing.

I hope Mike McCarthy is successful because I want the Cowboys to finally crawl from their qtr century of playoff irrelevance. He better win because I think he’s on the shortest of HC leashes. Another year of not making the playoffs or even a first round exit is probably an exit sign for the Mike McCarthy era.

Agreed
Mac is a placeholder for Moore.

 

[jazzcat22]

My fear is that he will put Moore in next. I am not 100% sold on him as OC. But will see how he, hopefully, progressed this year.

 

[jazzcat22]

I can see your points, but I do not agree on your conclusion. My reasoning is based on Jerry's own track record. He does NOT fire coaches and pay them for years afterwards not to coach. Mike McCarthy managed to get himself a 5-year deal and he's now only in year two. If Jerry were to fire him, he'd be forced to pay him for the next three years. Even worse, he would be admitting to another huge mistake in coaching evaluation, to go with his last 10-year flop. I can't see his ego allowing him to do that. Worst case scenario, I see Big Mike getting at least three years in Dallas, at a minimum.

I agree, he gets this and next year. If they make the playoffs both years, getting to the NFCCG in 2022, if not this year, he gets a 4th year.

 

[Pantone282C]

Listening to our 78 year old owner GM cry and drop F bombs the other day at his “State of the Cowboys” presser, I was struck by three things: 1. Jerry is old and is running out of time to play fantasy football GM and he knows it. 2. He isn’t really willing to “do anything to win another SB” or he would have already done it. 3. True or not- JJ believes he has enough talent to win the big one now.

Which leads me to this simple point- Mike McCarthy is not on a Jason Garrett-like long leash that gives him a decade to win something. In fact, IMO Big Mac is in a position very similar to the one Wade Phillips was in over a decade ago- Win now or else.

Here are some reasons I believe this:

• Jerry hired Big Mac as a “win now” coach. Not a developmental project.
• JJ prefers having a coach he can take some credit for developing into a winner- like Garrett was. (His current pet project and HC in waiting may be Kellen Moore)
• Big Mac fits a very narrow expectation Jerry has for his HCs-
  • They must be able to tolerate his intrusions. (Most HCs wouldn’t)
  • They must NOT be seen as stronger or more in control than him.
• If this team doesn’t at least win a couple of playoff games, I think Big Mac is in danger of a firing.

I hope Mike McCarthy is successful because I want the Cowboys to finally crawl from their qtr century of playoff irrelevance. He better win because I think he’s on the shortest of HC leashes. Another year of not making the playoffs or even a first round exit is probably an exit sign for the Mike McCarthy era.

You are spot on about Jerry's profile.
If they totally flop, he's definitely gone. I define that as no playoffs, despite their record.
If they back into the playoffs, and then flame out, he's gone.
If they win two playoffs, WC and Divisional, he has another year.
If they get into the NFCCG, Jerry will kiss him on stage...JK

I see KM or DQ as the next HC at some point, unless they blow it.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Nah, there's no longtime family portrait backstabber waiting in the wings this time.

 

[johneric8]

Listening to our 78 year old owner GM cry and drop F bombs the other day at his “State of the Cowboys” presser, I was struck by three things: 1. Jerry is old and is running out of time to play fantasy football GM and he knows it. 2. He isn’t really willing to “do anything to win another SB” or he would have already done it. 3. True or not- JJ believes he has enough talent to win the big one now.

Which leads me to this simple point- Mike McCarthy is not on a Jason Garrett-like long leash that gives him a decade to win something. In fact, IMO Big Mac is in a position very similar to the one Wade Phillips was in over a decade ago- Win now or else.

Here are some reasons I believe this:

• Jerry hired Big Mac as a “win now” coach. Not a developmental project.
• JJ prefers having a coach he can take some credit for developing into a winner- like Garrett was. (His current pet project and HC in waiting may be Kellen Moore)
• Big Mac fits a very narrow expectation Jerry has for his HCs-
  • They must be able to tolerate his intrusions. (Most HCs wouldn’t)
  • They must NOT be seen as stronger or more in control than him.
• If this team doesn’t at least win a couple of playoff games, I think Big Mac is in danger of a firing.

I hope Mike McCarthy is successful because I want the Cowboys to finally crawl from their qtr century of playoff irrelevance. He better win because I think he’s on the shortest of HC leashes. Another year of not making the playoffs or even a first round exit is probably an exit sign for the Mike McCarthy era.

Bob, you keep saying "I believe" or "I think", could you tell me your sources? because unless McCarthy has a few bad seasons, or Jerry himself comes out directly and says things need to change and get better with desperation in his eyes I honestly feel like you're just nut rolling here. Even this short leash everyone talks about with Big Mike is speculation with no bones behind it. For all we know Jerry will roll with Big Mike for 5 years no matter what. If you want to look at facts and things Jerry did actually say, it wasn't long ago that Jerry admitted that his biggest mistakes were moving on from coaches too soon and not giving them enough time. What makes you think Jerry is going to shift gears now and fire Big Mike after 2 seasons when he gave the freckled puppet nearly a decade or better? Again, it's smarter to make assumptions on facts.