With six days to go in the exclusive negotiating window, all eyes are on what the Dallas Cowboys decide on Mike McCarthy’s future. He coached this season in the final year of his contract, and the spotlight grew even bigger after the franchise denied the Chicago Bears’ request to interview him for their head coach position.

Dallas isn’t ready to relinquish their rights to their head coach, but it doesn’t have to mean he’s returning in 2025.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently spoke about the future of head coach Mike McCarthy, stating that he was fine with McCarthy seeking interviews elsewhere. That elsewhere was revealed when the Chicago Bears formally requested to interview the Cowboys coach for their head coaching vacancy.

On Monday, the Bears did log that interview request, and it’s typical that a team will reply quickly. Because McCarthy’s contract is not up quite year, he is not free to chat with the Chicagoans at his leisure–he needs the team’s permission.

The Dallas Cowboys must realize that ignoring the Chicago Bears' request to interview head coach Mike McCarthy won't make it disappear.

The Chicago Bears are seeking permission to speak with Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Todd Archer. The

The Bears are casting a wide net in their search for the 18th head coach in franchise history as a critical offseason for the team gets underway. One potential candidate will have to be taken off the interview list — at least for the next several days.

Tuesday’s decision from Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys may tell us the intention of the front office with Mike McCarthy.

Chicago Bears have sought permission to interview Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and are awaiting a response from Dallas, sources tell me and @toddarcher. If the Cowboys don't allow permission this week, the Bears could interview McCarthy after his exclusive negotiating window... pic.twitter.com/zoS7vHO5mF