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

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