McCarthy and the Cowboys parted ways on Monday after negotiations about a contract extension fell apart, reportedly in part over the length of a new deal. McCarthy spent five seasons leading the franchise, but went just 7-10 in what was a largely disappointing campaign this year.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott told CBS Sports in a one-on-one interview on Dec. 3 that he was going to go to bat for coach Mike McCarthy to return as the team's head coa

Dallas star linebacker Micah Parsons, who's entering the final season of his rookie deal, said, "Losing a great coach like Mike hurts."