Micah Parsons sends clear message to Mike McCarthy as Dallas Cowboys star says coach ‘can leave and go wherever’
MICAH PARSONS has sent a clear message to Mike McCarthy after the Dallas Cowboys star said the coach “can leave and go wherever.”
McCarthy is in the final year of his contract with the NFL giants.
He is regarded as one of the division’s top coaches after 18 years at the top.
McCarthy boasts 170 regular wins and even led the Green Bay Packers to Super Bowl victory.
But he is yet to replicate that success in three years at the Cowboys, who have not gone past the playoff’s divisional rounds under his leadership.
McCarthy’s future is now up in the air with his deal expiring in 2025.
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And star man Parsons has said McCarthy is free to leave the Cowboys if he wants to in an apparent swipe at the coach’s record.
He said: “That’s above my pay grade, if Mike’s coach again next year. Coaching aside, Mike can leave and go where he wants to.
“Guys I kind of feel bad for is guys like Zack Martin and guys who might be on their last year, on their way out, because that’s who I wanted to hold the trophy for.
“You want to win games and do great things with those types of legends who put in more time and work than Mike McCarthy ever did.
“So those are the kind of guys that I have so much sympathy and hurt for.”
Parsons comments drew a backlash from McCarthy, who fired back: “We need to keep it to football. If not, our opponent is an hour or two ahead of us.
Terry Bradshaw sends Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones a clear message about Mike McCarthy and makes Micah Parsons point
NFL head coach annual salaries
1. Andy Reid – Chiefs – $20 million
2. Sean Payton – Broncos – $18 million
=3. Mike Tomlin – Steelers – $16 million
=3. Jim Harbaugh – Chargers – $16 million
5. Sean McVay – Rams – $15 million
6. Kyle Shanahan – 49ers – $14 million
7. John Harbaugh – Ravens – $12 million
=8. Dan Campbell – Lions – $11 million
=8. Sean McDermott – Bills – $11 million
10. Mike MacDonald – Seahawks – $10 million
“Micah and I had a conversation about it. Handled these things like men should handle it.”
Parsons then apologised for his comments on his podcast, adding: “I never once threw, or intended to throw, Mike McCarthy under the bus.
“He’s one of the most winningest. He is a Super Bowl champ. I never once brought up his past.
“Not once did I ever intend or want to reflect on his career but I always knew it was a good one. I’ve always had a great relationship with him.”