The future of Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy remains uncertain as discussions between owner Jerry Jones and McCarthy have focused on the team's future rather than McCarthy's status.

Why it matters: McCarthy's contract is set to expire along with the rest of the coaching staff, leaving questions about the direction of the team moving forward.

• Jones praises McCarthy's work: Jones has commended McCarthy for the team's recent performance and the development of young players.
• McCarthy's focus on the present: McCarthy has chosen to stay focused on the current tasks at hand rather than discussing his future with the organization.

What's new: The Cowboys have shown improvement in recent games, winning four out of their last five despite missing key players due to injuries.

Yes, but: Despite their improved record, the Cowboys have yet to advance past the divisional round of the playoffs under McCarthy's leadership.

• McCarthy's regular-season record: McCarthy holds a 49-33 record with the Cowboys during the regular season.

What to watch: The ongoing discussions between Jones and McCarthy will likely impact the coaching staff and the team's long-term plans.

What's next: The Cowboys performance in the remaining games of the season and potentially in the playoffs will play a significant role in determining McCarthy's future with the organization.

The bottom line: The uncertainty surrounding McCarthy's contract adds an additional layer of intrigue to the Cowboys' season as they aim to make a deep postseason run.

The future of Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy remains uncertain as discussions between owner Jerry Jones and McCarthy have focused on the team's future rather than McCarthy's status.

Why it matters: McCarthy's contract is set to expire along with the rest of the coaching staff, leaving questions about the direction of the team moving forward.

• Jones praises McCarthy's work: Jones has commended McCarthy for the team's recent performance and the development of young players.
• McCarthy's focus on the present: McCarthy has chosen to stay focused on the current tasks at hand rather than discussing his future with the organization.

What's new: The Cowboys have shown improvement in recent games, winning four out of their last five despite missing key players due to injuries.

Yes, but: Despite their improved record, the Cowboys have yet to advance past the divisional round of the playoffs under McCarthy's leadership.

• McCarthy's regular-season record: McCarthy holds a 49-33 record with the Cowboys during the regular season.

What to watch: The ongoing discussions between Jones and McCarthy will likely impact the coaching staff and the team's long-term plans.

What's next: The Cowboys performance in the remaining games of the season and potentially in the playoffs will play a significant role in determining McCarthy's future with the organization.

The bottom line: The uncertainty surrounding McCarthy's contract adds an additional layer of intrigue to the Cowboys' season as they aim to make a deep postseason run.