Recap: Mike McCarthy Press Conference 1/18 - First since Jerry's Announcement to Keep Him

[VaqueroTD]

• Your meeting with Jerry?
  • Long. 3 hours. Obviously talked about our disappointment. Covered entire program.
• So...?
  • We went through things we felt factored in it. Personnel, coaches, business affairs. It was productive.
• Working without an extension?
  • I never talk about player or coach contracts. Been that way for 20 years. But VERY confident in direction we are going.
• Relief? Focus?
  • Professionally, this is what I do. It's tough. When you talk to every player and coach, that's what I did Mon-Tue. Emotional for all of us. Family part is the only thing that concerns me.
• Mindset going forward?
  • Right now, this press conference. I have a job to do with the team.
• What needs to change with Team to get past?
  • Honestly, still a little bit numb. Doesn't matter what year you are in or your experience, approach should always be changes and new emphasis. We accomplished a lot of things this year and will build on it. How big a change we make is part of the adjustment.
• Biggest regret?
  • Not winning the game. Coaches gave me their evaluations last night. Going to meeting from here. You work a whole season and establish a standard of play, so biggest disappointment is performance in that game.
• Do you try and tweak the way you evaluate Playoff game because it was so below?
  • Asked to clarify. Education is big. Then application. Your evaluation process has to be well oiled. Hard part about coming in today is there is a tremendous amount of emotion, but you have to get it out of the way. How will you learn and grow? That is a process. Evaluation is never the same, applying to different people.
• Common denominators with Bills, 49ers, Playoff game?
  • Absolutely. Negatives of those games are definitely at forefront of what we will try and improve.
• Fan base message?
  • They should be frustrated. We are disappointed for them and in our performance. My message would be we have established a championship program, just not the right championship yet. We know how to win. I know how to win. We will get over that threshold. Because I have that confidence, I sit here today.
• Green Bay you won SB in Year 5. Same trajectory?
  • Yes. Layup question. Reality is though that the team will change. Just starting with the roster. 25% of our players will be different no matter what. I love the way these guys work, they are very coachable. So many good things happening but players came up shorter than we anticipated.
• How difficult were exit meetings with players?
  • They are amazing men and strong. The discipline in their emotion and ability to express. Monday are veterans so more in-depth. They give me plenty to think and look at. The mid guys, 3-4 years, little more there of what I need from you. Last group 1st year and FAs. Everytime I do it it's a grind, but it's so productive. Lot of strength and confirmation that comes from those conversations.
• Your assistants?
  • Will start those next week. This is time of year where there are opportunities. Dan's situation. We'll work through those as they happen.
• Your value and partnership with Jerry in conversation?
  • We pealed back layers and disappointment. Best meetings I have with Jerry are 1-on-1. He's an awesome boss, but he's an even better leader. He asks blunt hard questions which I appreciate. Always so much that comes out of it. We talked about everything - the right, the wrong, the indifferent. What we need to build off. Hard conversations, but I always look forward to them.
• Assumption Dan gets job somewhere else?
  • Dan is highly valued member of our coaching staff. We'll go through the process.
• Players wanted you back, but what was their feedback with you.
  • Every category. Confirmation on how we operate. Development. Different maturity levels, different backgrounds, that's always the most challenging.
• Why should they buy back?
  • Because I believe the direction and leadership is in place. I'm not comfortable talking about myself but I came here to win a Championship, and that is still the plan.
• Exit interview with Dak?
  • Productive. We spend so much time together already, more of a continuation. I have unbelievable belief in him. This offense has suited him well. Growth opportunity that we both see for future is exciting. Big part of conversation is disappointment. We talked about particulars of game and how to imrove it.
• Growth?
  • Situations we've been through now apply to training. Conversations in particular with veterans, how do I tweak the training component to move the needle. Dak's conversation is big part of that not only for QB but what he means to the team.
• Running football, and stopping run, struggled.
  • We were below the line obviously. Goes with last question. Training - how you can improve it? We're not worried about it though.
• How much change?
  • Too early.
• Tyron's future?
  • My best season with him. He felt good about that. He's not going into offseason with any big surgery is a plus. We continue to talk.
• What connects your 3 postseason losses?
  • We didn't play well enough.
• Did you walk into Jerry meeting wondering about your job security?
  • It was a sprint. Just heard about it. I was in moment. Honestly, only thing I worry about is my family. Extremely confident who I am, and confidence in where we are going. That is how the meeting ended. We got work to do. We both know that.
• 3 postseason loss games?
  • Reality is those are all very different teams. We are responsible for this year. I know it's disappointing to fans. But that's the best answer.
• Dak's bond and support?
  • We have a connection and believe in direction we are going. I believe in Dak Prescott, he's part of the solution. As difficult as right now is, we can work through the emotional period and continue to build.
• What is process to figure out missing piece?
  • You get back to beginning, you train to win games, you don't even get a chance to answer these questions. First things first. Making sure we are more equipped in all arenas.
• Another point in your career where you dealt with similar emotions?
  • NFC Championship game and losing my brother.
• Next mindset step?
  • Continue to work. Stay the course.
• Was team mentally ready for GB game? You went to CeeDee on bench?
  • Yes they were. I went to CeeDee many times. Our conversation was on a vertical route opportunity. How we saw it. 2 ways to do it. So making sure receiver and Dak were on same page. We chased too many plays and it bit us on the arse.
• Do you have to calm down in a game like that?
  • Every player has a guage. Some too fast, too slow. Have to be neutral and the right fit into the scheme and next to the guy playing with you. That's football.
• What do you tell fans with desire to change?
  • I clearly understand the emotion of all this and fan perspective. But that's really what evaluation process is for. Very raw right now. Definitely going to be changes and adjustments. And we have a lot we can build off. Tell PappyDog and Mountaineer that no matter what they write on that Zone Forum, Dak is my boy, and we're going to go out as Super Bowl champs. Represent!

 

[VaqueroTD]

Same Mike. Never gets too up or too down. Only difference you ever see in his PCs is when he looks obviously worn out. Straight shooter. Doesn't try to entertain or play with the camera. Better joke cracker than Garrett/Wade sometimes, usually to give reporters a hard time, but not there is no drive to entertain, just work. Occasionally does story telling or coaching clinic examples like Tuna always did.

Cliff Notes Summary -- Too early to say anything. Looks like Dak will return based on early questions, and Dan Quinn answers very neutral, with some up in the air maybe from job offers he is getting right now. I would guess Tyron coming back too based on his answer for that question.

Sounds like him and Jerry have a good understanding. I don't think he meant it as a swipe at Stephen, but sounds like Mac and Jerry are closer than Mac and Stephen. There was a reporter last week talking about how DQ and Stephen were tight.

Would have loved to be a fly on the wall in those player exit interviews and hear their candid thoughts.

 

[Fastpitch Dad]

Outstanding effort as always brother! Most wouldn't take the time to do this right now (and I don't blame them). You are a huge asset to this board and I'm sure I speak for others as well - a huge Thank You!!

Edit- loved the humor at the end!!

 

[VaqueroTD]

Edit- loved the humor at the end!!

Was the darndest thing. Couldn't believe Coach Mike reads the forums!

 

[BulletBob]

Outstanding effort as always brother! Most wouldn't take the time to do this right now (and I don't blame them). You are a huge asset to this board and I'm sure I speak for others as well - a huge Thank You!!

Edit- loved the humor at the end!!

Couldn't agree more - thanks for investing the time to type out the recap, Vaq!

 

[EenonyMoose]

Prediction: only major offensive coaching change is Luke Getsy as WR coach. They really are just going to run this junk back.

 

[MikeT22]

Basically Jerry is comfortable and still making money hand over fist.

McCarthy has a year left on his contract, so why fire him and then have to pay 2 yes men next year instead of one?

 

[75boyz]

Everyone should start developing their own version of self talk in support of our Cowboys for this year if they haven't already.
A good and convicted "Run it Back" does the trick for me.

Cowboys!

 

[Streifenkarl]

As expected. Nothing to see here. Unfortunately.

 

[VaqueroTD]

As expected. Nothing to see here. Unfortunately.

Yep. Standard McCarthy. And too early for any definite plan. First ripples will be felt in offseason as they don't sign, release or sign guys.

 

[Streifenkarl]

Yep. Standard McCarthy. And too early for any definite plan. First ripples will be felt in offseason as they don't sign, release or sign guys.

By the way, thanks for writing it up! Great effort man, much appreciated!

 

[cityochamps]

• Your meeting with Jerry?
  • Long. 3 hours. Obviously talked about our disappointment. Covered entire program.
• So...?
  • We went through things we felt factored in it. Personnel, coaches, business affairs. It was productive.
• Working without an extension?
  • I never talk about player or coach contracts. Been that way for 20 years. But VERY confident in direction we are going.
• Relief? Focus?
  • Professionally, this is what I do. It's tough. When you talk to every player and coach, that's what I did Mon-Tue. Emotional for all of us. Family part is the only thing that concerns me.
• Mindset going forward?
  • Right now, this press conference. I have a job to do with the team.
• What needs to change with Team to get past?
  • Honestly, still a little bit numb. Doesn't matter what year you are in or your experience, approach should always be changes and new emphasis. We accomplished a lot of things this year and will build on it. How big a change we make is part of the adjustment.
• Biggest regret?
  • Not winning the game. Coaches gave me their evaluations last night. Going to meeting from here. You work a whole season and establish a standard of play, so biggest disappointment is performance in that game.
• Do you try and tweak the way you evaluate Playoff game because it was so below?
  • Asked to clarify. Education is big. Then application. Your evaluation process has to be well oiled. Hard part about coming in today is there is a tremendous amount of emotion, but you have to get it out of the way. How will you learn and grow? That is a process. Evaluation is never the same, applying to different people.
• Common denominators with Bills, 49ers, Playoff game?
  • Absolutely. Negatives of those games are definitely at forefront of what we will try and improve.
• Fan base message?
  • They should be frustrated. We are disappointed for them and in our performance. My message would be we have established a championship program, just not the right championship yet. We know how to win. I know how to win. We will get over that threshold. Because I have that confidence, I sit here today.
• Green Bay you won SB in Year 5. Same trajectory?
  • Yes. Layup question. Reality is though that the team will change. Just starting with the roster. 25% of our players will be different no matter what. I love the way these guys work, they are very coachable. So many good things happening but players came up shorter than we anticipated.
• How difficult were exit meetings with players?
  • They are amazing men and strong. The discipline in their emotion and ability to express. Monday are veterans so more in-depth. They give me plenty to think and look at. The mid guys, 3-4 years, little more there of what I need from you. Last group 1st year and FAs. Everytime I do it it's a grind, but it's so productive. Lot of strength and confirmation that comes from those conversations.
• Your assistants?
  • Will start those next week. This is time of year where there are opportunities. Dan's situation. We'll work through those as they happen.
• Your value and partnership with Jerry in conversation?
  • We pealed back layers and disappointment. Best meetings I have with Jerry are 1-on-1. He's an awesome boss, but he's an even better leader. He asks blunt hard questions which I appreciate. Always so much that comes out of it. We talked about everything - the right, the wrong, the indifferent. What we need to build off. Hard conversations, but I always look forward to them.
• Assumption Dan gets job somewhere else?
  • Dan is highly valued member of our coaching staff. We'll go through the process.
• Players wanted you back, but what was their feedback with you.
  • Every category. Confirmation on how we operate. Development. Different maturity levels, different backgrounds, that's always the most challenging.
• Why should they buy back?
  • Because I believe the direction and leadership is in place. I'm not comfortable talking about myself but I came here to win a Championship, and that is still the plan.
• Exit interview with Dak?
  • Productive. We spend so much time together already, more of a continuation. I have unbelievable belief in him. This offense has suited him well. Growth opportunity that we both see for future is exciting. Big part of conversation is disappointment. We talked about particulars of game and how to imrove it.
• Growth?
  • Situations we've been through now apply to training. Conversations in particular with veterans, how do I tweak the training component to move the needle. Dak's conversation is big part of that not only for QB but what he means to the team.
• Running football, and stopping run, struggled.
  • We were below the line obviously. Goes with last question. Training - how you can improve it? We're not worried about it though.
• How much change?
  • Too early.
• Tyron's future?
  • My best season with him. He felt good about that. He's not going into offseason with any big surgery is a plus. We continue to talk.
• What connects your 3 postseason losses?
  • We didn't play well enough.
• Did you walk into Jerry meeting wondering about your job security?
  • It was a sprint. Just heard about it. I was in moment. Honestly, only thing I worry about is my family. Extremely confident who I am, and confidence in where we are going. That is how the meeting ended. We got work to do. We both know that.
• 3 postseason loss games?
  • Reality is those are all very different teams. We are responsible for this year. I know it's disappointing to fans. But that's the best answer.
• Dak's bond and support?
  • We have a connection and believe in direction we are going. I believe in Dak Prescott, he's part of the solution. As difficult as right now is, we can work through the emotional period and continue to build.
• What is process to figure out missing piece?
  • You get back to beginning, you train to win games, you don't even get a chance to answer these questions. First things first. Making sure we are more equipped in all arenas.
• Another point in your career where you dealt with similar emotions?
  • NFC Championship game and losing my brother.
• Next mindset step?
  • Continue to work. Stay the course.
• Was team mentally ready for GB game? You went to CeeDee on bench?
  • Yes they were. I went to CeeDee many times. Our conversation was on a vertical route opportunity. How we saw it. 2 ways to do it. So making sure receiver and Dak were on same page. We chased too many plays and it bit us on the arse.
• Do you have to calm down in a game like that?
  • Every player has a guage. Some too fast, too slow. Have to be neutral and the right fit into the scheme and next to the guy playing with you. That's football.
• What do you tell fans with desire to change?
  • I clearly understand the emotion of all this and fan perspective. But that's really what evaluation process is for. Very raw right now. Definitely going to be changes and adjustments. And we have a lot we can build off. Tell PappyDog and Mountaineer that no matter what they write on that Zone Forum, Dak is my boy, and we're going to go out as Super Bowl champs. Represent!

• Do you try and tweak the way you evaluate Playoff game because it was so below?
  
  • Asked to clarify. Education is big. Then application. Your evaluation process has to be well oiled. Hard part about coming in today is there is a tremendous amount of emotion, but you have to get it out of the way. How will you learn and grow? That is a process. Evaluation is never the same, applying to different people.
  • 
    
  • I was disappointed that mike had no answer at all for what went wrong IMO, I am not buying it. I get evaluation is part of it but can’t believe he used a Garrett phrase. A failure this large should have some clear and easily identifiable causes. He goes on to say the team was prepared mentally. Really coach, all of them?

 

[HMJYay]

I don't think anything said in the press conference really mean anything. He's not going to say he's against any coach or player to the public. The next few months will tell if any real changes are made, or just minute ones and run it back mentality.

 

[HMJYay]

• Your meeting with Jerry?
  • Long. 3 hours. Obviously talked about our disappointment. Covered entire program.
• So...?
  • We went through things we felt factored in it. Personnel, coaches, business affairs. It was productive.
• Working without an extension?
  • I never talk about player or coach contracts. Been that way for 20 years. But VERY confident in direction we are going.
• Relief? Focus?
  • Professionally, this is what I do. It's tough. When you talk to every player and coach, that's what I did Mon-Tue. Emotional for all of us. Family part is the only thing that concerns me.
• Mindset going forward?
  • Right now, this press conference. I have a job to do with the team.
• What needs to change with Team to get past?
  • Honestly, still a little bit numb. Doesn't matter what year you are in or your experience, approach should always be changes and new emphasis. We accomplished a lot of things this year and will build on it. How big a change we make is part of the adjustment.
• Biggest regret?
  • Not winning the game. Coaches gave me their evaluations last night. Going to meeting from here. You work a whole season and establish a standard of play, so biggest disappointment is performance in that game.
• Do you try and tweak the way you evaluate Playoff game because it was so below?
  • Asked to clarify. Education is big. Then application. Your evaluation process has to be well oiled. Hard part about coming in today is there is a tremendous amount of emotion, but you have to get it out of the way. How will you learn and grow? That is a process. Evaluation is never the same, applying to different people.
• Common denominators with Bills, 49ers, Playoff game?
  • Absolutely. Negatives of those games are definitely at forefront of what we will try and improve.
• Fan base message?
  • They should be frustrated. We are disappointed for them and in our performance. My message would be we have established a championship program, just not the right championship yet. We know how to win. I know how to win. We will get over that threshold. Because I have that confidence, I sit here today.
• Green Bay you won SB in Year 5. Same trajectory?
  • Yes. Layup question. Reality is though that the team will change. Just starting with the roster. 25% of our players will be different no matter what. I love the way these guys work, they are very coachable. So many good things happening but players came up shorter than we anticipated.
• How difficult were exit meetings with players?
  • They are amazing men and strong. The discipline in their emotion and ability to express. Monday are veterans so more in-depth. They give me plenty to think and look at. The mid guys, 3-4 years, little more there of what I need from you. Last group 1st year and FAs. Everytime I do it it's a grind, but it's so productive. Lot of strength and confirmation that comes from those conversations.
• Your assistants?
  • Will start those next week. This is time of year where there are opportunities. Dan's situation. We'll work through those as they happen.
• Your value and partnership with Jerry in conversation?
  • We pealed back layers and disappointment. Best meetings I have with Jerry are 1-on-1. He's an awesome boss, but he's an even better leader. He asks blunt hard questions which I appreciate. Always so much that comes out of it. We talked about everything - the right, the wrong, the indifferent. What we need to build off. Hard conversations, but I always look forward to them.
• Assumption Dan gets job somewhere else?
  • Dan is highly valued member of our coaching staff. We'll go through the process.
• Players wanted you back, but what was their feedback with you.
  • Every category. Confirmation on how we operate. Development. Different maturity levels, different backgrounds, that's always the most challenging.
• Why should they buy back?
  • Because I believe the direction and leadership is in place. I'm not comfortable talking about myself but I came here to win a Championship, and that is still the plan.
• Exit interview with Dak?
  • Productive. We spend so much time together already, more of a continuation. I have unbelievable belief in him. This offense has suited him well. Growth opportunity that we both see for future is exciting. Big part of conversation is disappointment. We talked about particulars of game and how to imrove it.
• Growth?
  • Situations we've been through now apply to training. Conversations in particular with veterans, how do I tweak the training component to move the needle. Dak's conversation is big part of that not only for QB but what he means to the team.
• Running football, and stopping run, struggled.
  • We were below the line obviously. Goes with last question. Training - how you can improve it? We're not worried about it though.
• How much change?
  • Too early.
• Tyron's future?
  • My best season with him. He felt good about that. He's not going into offseason with any big surgery is a plus. We continue to talk.
• What connects your 3 postseason losses?
  • We didn't play well enough.
• Did you walk into Jerry meeting wondering about your job security?
  • It was a sprint. Just heard about it. I was in moment. Honestly, only thing I worry about is my family. Extremely confident who I am, and confidence in where we are going. That is how the meeting ended. We got work to do. We both know that.
• 3 postseason loss games?
  • Reality is those are all very different teams. We are responsible for this year. I know it's disappointing to fans. But that's the best answer.
• Dak's bond and support?
  • We have a connection and believe in direction we are going. I believe in Dak Prescott, he's part of the solution. As difficult as right now is, we can work through the emotional period and continue to build.
• What is process to figure out missing piece?
  • You get back to beginning, you train to win games, you don't even get a chance to answer these questions. First things first. Making sure we are more equipped in all arenas.
• Another point in your career where you dealt with similar emotions?
  • NFC Championship game and losing my brother.
• Next mindset step?
  • Continue to work. Stay the course.
• Was team mentally ready for GB game? You went to CeeDee on bench?
  • Yes they were. I went to CeeDee many times. Our conversation was on a vertical route opportunity. How we saw it. 2 ways to do it. So making sure receiver and Dak were on same page. We chased too many plays and it bit us on the arse.
• Do you have to calm down in a game like that?
  • Every player has a guage. Some too fast, too slow. Have to be neutral and the right fit into the scheme and next to the guy playing with you. That's football.
• What do you tell fans with desire to change?
  • I clearly understand the emotion of all this and fan perspective. But that's really what evaluation process is for. Very raw right now. Definitely going to be changes and adjustments. And we have a lot we can build off. Tell PappyDog and Mountaineer that no matter what they write on that Zone Forum, Dak is my boy, and we're going to go out as Super Bowl champs. Represent!

Thanks for effort writing this up! I'm sure it took a bit!

 

[FoxF]

Though that whole dialogue there is no admitting we have a problems. His entire message is “stay the course”. We are on the right track. No change needed, no problems here folks!

 

[jgboys1]

Though that whole dialogue there is no admitting we have a problems. His entire message is “stay the course”. We are on the right track. No change needed, no problems here folks!

I know! I feel like we will have the same players and coach going into next season. I know Jerry is a great salesman, but he will have a hard time selling this to the fan base next season.

 

[tyke1doe]

More of the same.
These past three years have provided the perfect opportunity to win the NFC conference. We were unprepared against the Niners twice and the Packers of recent.
There's no Brady standing in our way, no Aaron Rodgers, no Drew Brees. We SUPPOSEDLY had the top quarterback in the conference and pro bowlers out the ying yang. And we came up short.
Sorry, but it's been 8 years. If Dak hasn't learn not to panic after his first read is shut down, it aint happening in a ninth year. And the prescription is always the same: confuse Dak and you beat the Cowboys.
And although we have a talented team, Jordan Love is going to get better; Purdy is going to get better; Caleb Williams is coming to the NFC; Detroit is going to be a contender for several years (projecting, of course), Belichick is likely coming (to Atlanta), etc.
We may have missed our window.
But, hey, 12-5 and 1-and-done is enough to keep the excitement and the anticipation stirred.
Go Cowboys!

 

[Hawkeye19]

I can’t stand the whole “we are so close!!” perspective. It’s denial. The emperor has no clothes. Everyone can see there are massive organizational issues— but these jack-wagons walk around and act like they are contenders and are a player or two away from a championship.

This franchise is currently built on the wrong values. They have the wrong culture. They lack the necessary qualities to win.

Players will come and go. Coaches will come and go. But the rotten foundation remains and always pops up to undermine success.

 

[VaqueroTD]

I can’t stand the whole “we are so close!!” perspective. It’s denial. The emperor has no clothes. Everyone can see there are massive organizational issues— but these jack-wagons walk around and act like they are contenders and are a player or two away from a championship.

This franchise is currently built on the wrong values. They have the wrong culture. They lack the necessary qualities to win.

Players will come and go. Coaches will come and go. But the rotten foundation remains and always pops up to undermine success.

Agreed and what worries me the most.

Need some of Parcells practical "you are what you are" right now.

Rex Ryan made a comment in Get Up that all Coach/GM/QB interviews were like "we are the cowboys and deserve to lay our jock on field and be the dominant team." LOL

 

[big dog cowboy]

Tell PappyDog and Mountaineer that no matter what they write on that Zone Forum, Dak is my boy, and we're going to go out as Super Bowl champs. Represent!