We’re going to label this an “irresponsible rumor.” But not because it’s impossible that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones might in the future make a coaching change. And not because it’s impossible that the Cowboys might fall short of some imagined must-achieve goal in the playoffs in order for head coach Mike McCarthy to keep his job. And not because it’s impossible that McCarthy’s heir could be present Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. There are certainly circumstances, however unlikely we think them to be, that could bring on disillusionment on the part of Jones as it regards McCarthy.
What if, say the 9-3 Cowboys lose the rest of their games? What if the entire Dak Prescott-led locker room suddenly does a 180 and expresses its dislike for the coach? What if McCarthy reveals to Jones that he hates the color blue? See? Sure. CYA. Anything could happen. But the hole in this report from “Tony Pauline” comes in the boldness with which he makes his claim, complete with “sources” that we are willing to frankly and impolitely allege simply do not exist.
Writes Pauline: “Sources tell me that if McCarthy does not make a run deep into the playoffs and Dallas lets him go, Quinn will be hired as head coach of the Cowboys.” What we will tell you: There is not one single person in this building here inside The Star who is privy to that sort of “private thought” or “secret plan” who would serve as Pauline’s “sources” on a matter as sensitive as this.
Further: We’ve dealt with McCarthy for four years. We’ve had dozens of conversations, some of them in one-on-one settings, with Quinn. We’ve known Will McClay for more than a decade. And we have a working relationship with Jerry and Stephen Jones dating back 34 years. And we’d bet anything “Tony Pauline” would push to the middle of the table that none of those five people – the only five people who would have first-hand knowledge of such a concept – have said any such thing to “Tony Pauline.”
This also smells rotten because Pauline (who’s bio says he writes for “Sportskeeda” but that he “previously worked for a host of NFL teams in the past”) claims to have not one but multiple “sources.” … which would fundamentally have to mean that not only did one of McCarthy, Quinn, McClay, Jerry and Stephen whisper this to him, along with giving his permission to write it … But that two of McCarthy, Quinn, McClay, Jerry and Stephen did so.
CYA matters here. Seriously, McCarthy could get crossways with Jones. Or the Cowboys could collapse in December, with players demanding a change. (Of course, if the Cowboys players collapse, why listen to them?) Or the Cowboys could lose in the first round of the playoffs, 50-0 at Atlanta. (Of course, if Dallas gives up 50 points, why promote Quinn!?) The truth it, this is not “sourced” material. In fact, it falls short of qualifying as a “rumor.” It’s manufactured, it’s nasty, and it’s irresponsible.
