Cowboys state, again, Mike McCarthy will be back in 2021

It's definitely a statement on Mike McCarthy's debut as Dallas Cowboys head coach that ownership has to repeatedly state he won't be a one-and-done.

The latest vote of confidence came from Stephen Jones in an interview with the club's flagship radio station.

“There will be absolutely no change with Coach (Mike) McCarthy,” Jones said, via USA Today. “I am surprised someone would question Mike, the unprecedented situation everyone’s been in. And on top of that, no one’s making excuses, but we have had some real challenges in the injury category. If you look at his track record and his pedigree, he’s consistently won year in and year out.

“We have the utmost confidence that this ship is going to be righted quickly, and Mike’s going to be the leader of this group.”

The timing of the question was admittedly odd given that it came 24 hours after Dallas won 30-7 at Cincinnati, snapping a 2-game losing streak. At 4-9, the Cowboys are in last place of a bad NFC East.

For as much of a reputation Jerry Jones has as a wheeler, dealer wildcatting oil man, he's famously loyal as the Cowboys' head coach. Dave Campo got three seasons, going 5-11 in each of them. Jason Garrett got nearly a decade. It's been 20 years since Jones made anything resembling a knee-jerk firing, dismissing Chan Gailey after two playoff appearances in two seasons.

Arguably the primary reason the Cowboys are 4-9 is Jerry handing out premature, unwarranted extensions to Cowboy draft picks. Desperation to win on his terms has made Jerry less volatile with age, not less.

That said, it would be a mild surprise if Mike Nolan returned as defensive coordinator. The Cowboys are 32nd in scoring defense, surrendering 30.8 points per game.

As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.