Part 2/6:
For McCarthy, the uncertainty surrounding his fate hinges on an evaluation game in Week 18, where the opponent—likely to have greater motivation—may affect perceptions of his coaching effectiveness. Despite a challenging season, McCarthy’s crew has fought hard, showing resilience even when, back in October, the season seemed bleak.
Notably, McCarthy's contract with the Cowboys does not expire until January 14th, providing a rare nine-day window for exclusive negotiation about his future. This timeframe is critical because until then, other teams cannot officially approach McCarthy, thus allowing the Cowboys to maintain control over the narrative and the situation.