As the 2024 season comes to a close, Jones admitted Tuesday that he’s learned more about McCarthy through the team’s campaign of struggles. Dallas will end the year with a losing record, missing the postseason for the first time since McCarthy’s first season in charge.

After three straight 12-5 campaigns that earned playoff berths, the Cowboys lost nearly every star player for extended time this year. Prescott; right guard Zack Martin; pass rushers DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons; and cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland all miss extended time.

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was one of several players to get bitten by the injury bug, owner Jerry Jones stubbornly refused to boost the team’s running back room last offseason and coach Mike McCarthy dropped a total dud after recording three straight 12-5 seasons at the helm.