Mike McCarthy should remain Cowboys head coach, says Dak Prescott: "I wholeheartedly believe in him."

The future of Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is uncertain with five games left in the season, despite Dak Prescott's lucrative contract extension.

If it were up to Prescott, McCarthy would return in 2025.

Prescott's season-ending hamstring injury prevents him from running McCarthy's offense on gameday, which is a significant factor in Dallas' failure to replicate another 12-5 season for the fourth straight year.

He endorsed Jerry Jones' contract extension after the 2024 regular season, showing his belief in McCarthy's leadership.

"Prescott told Yahoo Sports that he feels helpless in trying to help his coach, who seems to be playing on his last contract, especially since he is someone he believes in so much and wants to be his head coach. He advised controlling what he can control and supporting Mike to the best of his ability."

Before the Cowboys' season turned around with two consecutive wins, including a victory over the New York Giants on Thanksgiving Day, McCarthy's tenure as head coach in Dallas seemed uncertain.

Last week, Jones stated that it wouldn't be "unreasonable" to believe McCarthy could return for his sixth season and possibly more after that.

It's something Prescott loved to hear.

"Prescott stated, "I wholeheartedly believe in him and think he deserves another contract and the opportunity to coach this team with more influence. On his terms, he may be the best option.""

McCarthy's three straight 12-5 seasons before this year, including two NFC East division titles, and his Super Bowl win with the Green Bay Packers, led by then-quarterback Aaron Rodgers, are the main arguments for his staying with the team.

The Cowboys' rosters have been sufficient for more than just a playoff spot, but their ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl and the Vince Lombardi Trophy, which they haven't achieved since 1995.

The Packers' victory over the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium ended their playoff run last season, leaving much uncertainty about Prescott and McCarthy's future in the 2024 season, as they are both entering the final year of their contracts.

In the NFL, finishing a season with momentum can be crucial, especially when every player is fighting for their next contract, regardless of their team's record.

McCarthy's ability to keep the Cowboys in the playoff race until the final week of the season suggests that he can overcome challenges. Jones stated this week that he is "as steady as a rock," and there are still winnable games remaining on the schedule.

The Cincinnati Bengals will host the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles on "Monday Night Football" in Week 14, and conclude the season with the Washington Commanders in Week 18.

In 2024, McCarthy's franchise quarterback will bat for him even if he can't be under center the rest of the way, despite McCarthy knowing what's at stake.