FRISCO - It is a simple question. It could've been handled with a simple answer.
But Mike McCarthy, with the guidance of his agent, Don Yee, is now engaged in a sort of "play-calling'' that has nothing to do with X's and O's.
This is about money.
The Dallas Cowboys just lost to Philadelphia Eagles in a 41-7 loss at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 17. On Monday comes a time back here at The Star to issue some honest reflection ...
Or, to play word games when it comes to the lame-duck coach's future in this building.
Hey, the Joneses are doing it to "Big Mike''; why can't he do it to them?
Dallas is at 7-9 with one game remaining. Cowboys Nation's thoughts have naturally turned in part to the future - including a future with or without this head coach.
McCarthy on Monday was asked about his level of desire to return in 2025.
It is a very simple question ... that McCarthy, in essence, refused to answer.
The Cowboys coach was asked if he wants to return to Dallas in 2025. One option as an answer? "Of course I do! I live and breathe Cowboys football, love the city, the franchise, the Joneses, the fans, and most of all my players!''
Mike's option as an answer?
"I need to make sure I'm doing exactly what I'm asking everybody else to do,'' he said. "We need to finish the race... we'll have time to talk about that next week.''
In other words ... McCarthy's agent Don Yee is now in charge, fluffing up the idea of an offseason "bidding war'' (with the help of water-carrying national media people) buzz for his lame-duck/free-agent client.
Cryptic. Clever. Coy.
What does Mike McCarthy want most of all? Well, not more than a Super Bowl, but short of that?
Put "leverage'' on the list.
By not answering the question squarely, he is obviously playing the negotiating game.
We find it unlikely that he wants to leave the Cowboys or that his family wants to leave Dallas. But millions of dollars are at stake here.
So on Monday, it is McCarthy's mouth that is moving. But it is the words of his agent that he is uttering.
