There’s never a dull moment in the offseason for the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Mike McCarthy recently had to address circulating rumors regarding his possible replacement in the form of the now-retired Sean Payton at the NFL Combine.

While speaking to the media, McCarthy spoke on recent speculation regarding his future, “It’s a narrative I don’t want to be a part of. I don’t think anyone wants to be a part of it — on either side of the fence. In fairness to Sean, he’s being asked the questions. Nothing good comes out of that.”

The gossip and hearsay began following owner Jerry Jones’s comments after his team’s elimination from the playoffs this past season. Rather than committing to McCarthy, Jones opted to elaborate on his defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, and how he’d be an ideal candidate if McCarthy wasn’t around. Or as Jones put it, “Mike knows that someday somebody other than him will be coach of the Cowboys.”

Not exactly a ringing endorsement for the Cowboys head coach

In his own right, Payton would obviously be an ideal candidate for any NFL team. However, the fact that McCarthy is having to address such rumors isn’t a good look either on several fronts. Most importantly, it certainly appears that McCarthy will be coaching for his job this year. From an observer’s standpoint, a playoff appearance might not be enough for Jones anymore.

While McCarthy was quick to point out that both he and Jones have a strong relationship, Cowboys fans know that whenever Jones sets his eyes on something, he’ll get it. Soon to be 80, Jones wants another Super Bowl, and he could’ve put to rest any sort of speculation, but that’s not like him. Instead, his head coach will have to coach under the shadow of Payton rumors all year. This isn’t going away any time soon.