In a surprising turn of events, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has publicly stated that soon-to-be free agent coach Mike McCarthy is welcome to "go talk" with other teams. However, behind the scenes, the Cowboys have put their foot down regarding McCarthy's potential suitors, particularly the Chicago Bears, who recently sought permission to interview him.

The Cowboys have officially denied the Bears' request, keeping McCarthy out of their reach for now. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, this denial comes just ahead of McCarthy's contract expiration on January 14. Until that date, the Cowboys hold exclusive negotiation rights, allowing them to restrict any talks between McCarthy and other teams.

As the clock ticks toward the contract deadline, there's speculation surrounding whether the Cowboys are planning to offer McCarthy a new contract—or if they are simply leveraging their control over the situation. The tension builds, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the future of the Cowboys' head coach.

NFL insiders are closely monitoring the situation, and one notable prediction has emerged: news about McCarthy’s future will likely be unveiled during the high-stakes Packers-Eagles wild-card playoff game on Sunday. The drama surrounding the sidelines has never been more intense as the NFL playoffs loom closer.

With McCarthy’s future hanging in the balance and the Bears eyeing him as a prime candidate, the Cowboys are in a precarious position. Will they keep the beloved coach, or will he be free to explore opportunities beyond Dallas? Stay tuned as this story develops!