Fans weren't quite as surprised by the Dallas Cowboys' decision to fire head coach Mike McCarthy as they were by the timing of the announcement. McCarthy's dismissal after five years at the helm came this past Monday,

The move comes after McCarthy and the Cowboys missed the playoffs for the first time since his inaugural season in 2020.

Here is why Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has been on the hot seat — but also why he appears likely to return for the 2025 season.