Mike McCarthy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Mike McCarthy

McCarthy with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021
Personal information
Born:	(1963-11-10) November 10, 1963 (age 61) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Career information
High school:	Bishop Boyle (Homestead, Pennsylvania)
College:	Baker
Undrafted:	1987
Career history
As coach:
Fort Hays State (1987–1988) Graduate assistant Pittsburgh (1989–1991) Graduate assistant Pittsburgh (1992) Wide receivers coach Kansas City Chiefs (1993–1994) Offensive quality control Kansas City Chiefs (1995–1998) Quarterbacks coach Green Bay Packers (1999) Quarterbacks coach New Orleans Saints (2000–2004) Offensive coordinator San Francisco 49ers (2005) Offensive coordinator Green Bay Packers (2006–2018) Head coach Dallas Cowboys (2020–2024) Head coach
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (XLV) Greasy Neale Award (2011)
Head coaching record
Regular season:	174–112–2 (.608)
Postseason:	11–11 (.500)
Career:	185–123–2 (.600)
Coaching stats at PFR

Michael John McCarthy (born November 10, 1963) is a well-known American football coach. He was most recently the head coach for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL) from 2020 to 2024. Before that, he led the Green Bay Packers as their head coach from 2006 to 2018.

In 2011, McCarthy guided the Packers to a huge victory in Super Bowl XLV. They beat his hometown team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also worked as an offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints.

During his 17 seasons as an NFL head coach, McCarthy has a strong record. He is one of only five head coaches to lead a team to eight straight playoff appearances. He is also second in all-time wins for the Packers, right after Curly Lambeau.

Early Life and Education

Mike McCarthy grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His mom, Ellen, worked as a secretary and in restaurants. His dad, Joe Jr., was a firefighter and police officer. Joe Jr. also owned a bar, which Mike helped clean on Sundays. Mike was a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers growing up.

He has four siblings. Mike went to St. Rosalia primary school, where he played basketball. He later gave money to the school every year. He then attended Bishop Boyle High School.

Playing Career

After high school, McCarthy first went to Salem University. He later returned home to work at his dad's bar. In 1984, he played football for one season at Scottsdale Community College. He then moved to Baker University, a smaller college.

At Baker, McCarthy was a talented tight end. He was named an all-conference player twice. In 1986, he was the team captain. His team finished second in the national championship that year. He earned a degree in business administration in 1987.

Coaching Career

College Coaching

In 1987, Mike McCarthy started his coaching career. He became a graduate assistant at Fort Hays State University in Kansas. He worked with linebackers and defensive ends for two years. During this time, he also earned a master's degree in Sports Administration.

In 1989, McCarthy returned to Pittsburgh. He wanted to coach at the University of Pittsburgh. He even showed up at the head coach's office without an appointment. Soon after, he was offered a volunteer coaching job. He later coached wide receivers in 1992. To earn extra money, he worked as a toll collector. He used this time to study football plays.

NFL Coaching Assistant

In 1993, McCarthy joined the Kansas City Chiefs. He worked as an offensive quality control assistant for two years. He helped with the team's offense. During this time, he worked with famous quarterback Joe Montana.

In 1995, McCarthy became the Chiefs' quarterbacks coach. He coached players like Rich Gannon and Elvis Grbac. His quarterbacks had very few interceptions during his time there.

Green Bay Packers (First Time)

After the 1998 season, McCarthy moved to the Green Bay Packers. He became their quarterbacks coach in 1999. He worked with Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre. With McCarthy's help, Favre threw for over 4,000 yards that season. The Packers' offense was ranked high in the league.

New Orleans Saints

In 2000, McCarthy became the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints. That year, the Saints had a great season. They won their first-ever playoff game and had a strong offense. McCarthy was even named NFC Assistant Coach of the Year.

The Saints' offense continued to be strong during his four years there. They set many team and individual records. Running backs Ricky Williams and Deuce McAllister both had seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards.

San Francisco 49ers

In 2005, McCarthy worked as the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. The team faced challenges that year. Their main quarterback was traded, and a rookie quarterback got injured. Despite this, running back Frank Gore started to show his talent.

Green Bay Packers (Head Coach)

2006–2009 Seasons

McCarthy in 2007

In 2006, the Green Bay Packers hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach. He took over after the team had a tough season. In his first year, the Packers finished with an 8–8 record. They won their last four games, including a big win against their rivals, the Chicago Bears.

In 2007, McCarthy led the Packers to an amazing 13–3 record. This was one of the best starts for a coach in Packers history. They made it to the NFC Championship game but lost in overtime. McCarthy was recognized as one of the best coaches in the NFL that year.

In 2008, the team faced changes when Aaron Rodgers became the starting quarterback. The season was a bit rocky, and the Packers finished 6–10. However, Rodgers showed great potential under McCarthy's coaching.

The 2009 season saw Rodgers improve even more. The Packers finished with an 11–5 record and made the playoffs. They lost a close game in overtime to the Arizona Cardinals.

2010 Season: Super Bowl Champions

In 2010, the Packers dealt with many player injuries. Despite this, McCarthy led them to a 10–6 record. They never lost a game by more than four points. The Packers entered the playoffs as the sixth seed.

They went on an incredible playoff run. They beat the Philadelphia Eagles and then crushed the top-seeded Atlanta Falcons. In the NFC Championship game, they defeated the Chicago Bears. This win sent them to Super Bowl XLV.

Super Bowl XLV Victory

Super Bowl XLV was a historic game between the Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. McCarthy was so confident in his team that he had them fitted for Super Bowl rings before the game. The Packers won the Super Bowl 31–25. This brought the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay for the first time in many years.

2011–2017 Seasons

McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2012

The 2011 Packers team was outstanding. They led the NFL in points scored and set a team record with 15 wins and only 1 loss. McCarthy's strategies helped Aaron Rodgers have an MVP season. However, their season ended in the playoffs against the New York Giants.

In 2012, the Packers won their division again with an 11–5 record. They made the playoffs for the 28th time in team history. They won their first playoff game but then lost to the San Francisco 49ers.

McCarthy led the Packers to their third straight division title in 2013. They made the playoffs for the fifth year in a row. In 2014, they won their fourth straight NFC North title with a 12–4 record. The team's offense was one of the best in the NFL. McCarthy also passed Vince Lombardi for second place in all-time Packers wins.

In the 2014 playoffs, the Packers beat the Dallas Cowboys. But they had a tough loss in the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks. They had a big lead but lost in overtime. McCarthy faced some criticism for his play calls in that game.

The Packers continued to make the playoffs in 2015 and 2016. In 2016, McCarthy became one of only four NFL coaches to lead his team to eight or more consecutive playoff appearances. They reached the NFC Championship Game again but lost to the Atlanta Falcons.

The 2017 season was challenging. Aaron Rodgers got injured, and the team finished with a 7–9 record, missing the playoffs.

2018 Season and Departure

On December 2, 2018, after a loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Mike McCarthy was let go by the Packers. He had been their head coach for 13 seasons. He led the team to nine playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory. McCarthy later said that both he and the team needed a change.

2019 Break from Coaching

After leaving the Packers, McCarthy decided to take a break from coaching in 2019. He spent time studying football strategies and trends. He worked with other coaches to improve his knowledge of the game. He called this his "McCarthy Project" and felt it made him a "better coach."

Dallas Cowboys

2020 Season

In January 2020, Mike McCarthy was hired as the new head coach for the Dallas Cowboys. He told the Cowboys' owner, Jerry Jones, that he had watched every play from the previous season.

His first game as Cowboys head coach was a close loss. However, he got his first win in a thrilling comeback against the Atlanta Falcons. The 2020 season was difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team also lost their starting quarterback, Dak Prescott, to an injury. The Cowboys finished the season with a 6–10 record.

2021 Season

McCarthy in 2021

In 2021, McCarthy led the Cowboys to a 12–5 record. They won the NFC East division title. He even missed a game after testing positive for COVID-19. The Cowboys made the playoffs but lost at home to the San Francisco 49ers in a close game. McCarthy was criticized for a play call at the end of that game.

2022 Season

For the 2022 season, McCarthy again led the Cowboys to a 12–5 record. They finished second in their division. Quarterback Dak Prescott was injured early in the season. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush stepped in and helped the team win games. McCarthy also returned to Green Bay to play his old team, which was an emotional moment for him.

The Cowboys won their first playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This was a big win, as it was the team's first road playoff victory in over 30 years. However, they lost again to the San Francisco 49ers in the next round.

2023 Season

In January 2023, McCarthy announced changes to his coaching staff. He also took over play-calling duties for the offense. The Cowboys had a powerful offense that season. Prescott played very well, and CeeDee Lamb became one of the best wide receivers.

The Cowboys finished with a 12–5 record and won their division. They entered the playoffs as the second seed. However, they suffered a surprising loss at home to McCarthy's old team, the Green Bay Packers. This loss led to questions about McCarthy's job, but the team owner confirmed he would stay.

2024 Season

The 2024 season was challenging for McCarthy and the Cowboys. He and his coaching staff were in the final year of their contracts. The team also lost some key players and didn't make many important new signings.

They started the season with a win but then lost several games. In Week 9, starting quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a hamstring injury. With backup quarterbacks, the Cowboys finished the season with a 7–10 record. On January 13, 2025, it was announced that McCarthy would no longer be the head coach of the Cowboys.

Awards and Personal Life

In 2007, McCarthy was named the Motorola NFL Coach of the Year. He also received the NFL Alumni's Coach of the Year award. In 2008, he received a distinguished service award in Green Bay.

Mike McCarthy is married to Jessica Kress. They have five children together from their current and previous marriages. The McCarthys are very involved in charity work. They founded the McCarthy Family Foundation, which helps people in need. The foundation has given money to a children's hospital and to a group that supports combat veterans. They also donated to the Green Bay Police Foundation to help buy equipment and support community programs.

McCarthy enjoys cooking and supports local restaurants. In 2013, he even helped create a special burger at a restaurant at Lambeau Field. A portion of the money from the burger sales went to his family's foundation.

Head Coaching Record

See also

In Spanish: Mike McCarthy para niños