STUFF
Help Wanted
With
the Cowboys and former head coach Mike McCarthy parting ways, the search is on for his
replacement.
BY PATRICK HIGGINS
After one of the most maddening seasons in franchise history, frustrated fans, ravenous for their pound of flesh, are now happily feasting on it. With the pitchforks and torches having been brandished for more than a year, the mob has finally gotten its way. Last week, the Dallas Cowboys and head coach Mike McCarthy mutually parted ways. Big Mike is out in Big D.
As the season was drawing to a close, the odds money was leaning heavily toward a decisively indecisive Jerry Jones allowing the porcine Pittsburgher to take a mulligan on the injury-torpedoed 2024 and run it back again this fall. Negotiations quickly stalled, likely over the specific terms of a potential extension — specifically length and compensation, no doubt — and not unlike a long, loveless marriage, both sides eventually agreed to amicably depart, with one side keeping all the money and the other taking with them a conciliatory “Thank you for your services.” So, there you go, bloodlusters, you’ve gotten your wish.
There’s a certain adage about being careful when wishing that has certainly
crossed my mind lately. No one wants to be the dude who dumped his girl because they thought they could land someone better looking only to find out the dumpee was always the one who could have done better. Yet here we are.
Now what? Who’s the superhero out there who’s going to finally turn this thing in a positive direction? Over the last three decades, five skippers have tried, including a current Hall of Famer who came into the organization with two giant rings on his Jersey-roughened fingers already. With the limited options Jerry’s gaggle of good ol’ boys are likely to legitimately pursue, once the announcement is made, there’s more than a dollar scratch-off’s chance that you may end up preferring the devil you knew. I certainly don’t love McCarthy as an offensive mind in the modern NFL, and calling plays might have been a nonnegotiable on his part, but as the man on the sideline or in the locker room smashing watermelons, I’d venture you could do a lot worse. It’s the fear of the possibility that we just might discover the reality of that assumption that gives me pause. Especially when you consider the realistic (italicized, underlined, highlighted) options for replacement.
Jerry likes to humor himself that the glitz of The Star™ will be too bright for any right-minded coaching candidate to resist. I happen to agree with a certain former HOF Cowboy quarterback currently doing color work (and the best in the business at it) on Monday Night Football who opined last week that he “wasn’t so sure about that.”
Firstly, there’s the whole microscope of the Cowboys media circus and all the drama and outside noise that comes along with wearing a headset on Sunday for this team. Then, there’s Jerry’s constant meddling in not just which players are on the roster but which are on the field. Not to mention his inevitable contradictions to your message every time he has a microphone in front of him, which, let’s face it, is always. These things alone should scare away most prime candidates — though large sums of money can usually do a lot toward overcoming these initial aversions. Yeah, about that.
Outside of paying (too late) top-ofmarket contracts to (exclusively their own) free agents and, sure, for multibillion-dollar football facilities, the Cowboys are notoriously cheap as an organization. If it isn’t cap controlled, like player salaries, or directly
He might not have the physical presence of Detroit head coach Dan Campbell, but he has the Detroit OC’s offensive mind. That might make Kellen Moore Dallas’ best option to replace Mike McCarthy.
related to building the Cowboys’ sports industry-leading brand a la sponsorship deals with cryptocurrency websites, they don’t like spending money on it. That includes coaches. For instance, despite boasting the fourth-best win percentage since he came to Dallas, McCarthy was only estimated to be in the range of the 11th- to 15th-highest paid.
So, you can, outright, at the jump, dismiss any illusions you may have (I have them, too) about that young hotshot boy-genius in Motor City who has suddenly found himself available for interviews again after he was upset by those upstart Washington Commanders on Sunday (whose own coach, former Dallas DC Dan Quinn, many would say, should already be the current Cowboys bench boss). Lions OC Ben Johnson will be the most coveted jewel in the head-coaching crown over these next few weeks, and the eventual winning suitor will likely make him the highest-paid coach in NFL history.
Thanks to his recent and surprisingly convincing acting turn in the new
Paramount+ property Landman, we know Jerry likes to keep it in the family. That’s why his coaching staffs always seemed to be filled with either people he already knows or their kids: Jason Garrett, Wade Phillips, Mike Zimmer, the list goes on. That’ll certainly be another strike against Johnson. However, it could be a plus for the last two Cowboys offensive coordinators in Brian Schottenheimer (who is expected to be interviewed) and Kellen Moore (who has already been interviewed). These two I would consider the leaders in the clubhouse if only for the offensive continuity it would provide quarterback Dak Prescott. In addition to Moore, Dallas has already interviewed former Jets HC Robert Saleh and an out-of-nowhere dark horse in Leslie Frazier, the current Seahawks assistant and former Vikings head coach.
Of the interviewees, Saleh managed to be fired midseason by a washed, hallucinogen-addled conspiracy theorist playing quarterback in one of the few organizations more dysfunctional than the Cowboys. That would be a “no” from me, dawg. Schotty didn’t call the plays, so it’s hard to know how much to pin the Cowboys’ offensive impotence this season on him, but there’s a reason McCarthy hired him, so I’m dubious. Conversely, Kellen Moore is a real-deal offensive dynamo, yet I once heard him described as looking like a school lunch lady. Unfair as it may be, I can’t think of anything else anytime I see him, and I’m not sure players would be able to either. Frazier? Hate to say it, but, Rooney Rule, right?
Other names tossed around have been: last season’s assistant head coach, at least in title, Al Harris; Detroit coordinator Aaron Glenn, who played in the Dallas secondary for a couple of years; Washington OC Kliff Kingsbury; Colorado’s Deion Sanders (shoot me in the leg — his approach with the media is enough for me); and even future Ring of Honor member Jason Witten. With either the lack of connections, experience, or humility, it’s hard to see these guys as legitimate options.
It’s obvious to anyone who has followed this team over time that McCarthy, while not necessarily the solution, certainly wasn’t the problem around here. I wouldn’t hold the oxygen in your lungs to think the next guy will be, either. Still, out of the options explored so far, at this moment, my hand forced, I’d have to go with Coach Lunch Lady. l
Artist Talks Cowboy
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1
1–3:30 P.M. | FREE
R. Alan Brooks
Emmanuel David
rafa esparza
Fabian Guerrero
Yumi Roth
SAVE YOUR SPOT
Presented by Sundance Square.
Bottom right: photo by Joe Rogers
NIGHT & DAY
Jazz guitarist/composer
Jean Baptiste Reinhardt (1910-1953) is being celebrated once again at the 21st Annual Django Reinhardt Festival Fri-Sun at Arts Fifth Avenue (1628 5th Av, Fort Worth, 817-923-9500). Along with French food and film screenings, there’ll be live performances by Francie Meaux Jeaux with Jimmie Dreams and Drew Phelps on Friday, then Gypsy Moon and String Theory Manouche on Saturday. On the final evening of the festival, A5A is also celebrating the life of Brazil’s Antônio Carlos Jobim (1927-1994) with performances by Marcelo Berestovoy, Javier Guitierrez, Max Robertson, Jeff Plant, and Alfredo Gonzales. Sunday promises to be an “experimental evening to celebrate the music of two of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Django and Jobim,” with the music of the two icons mixed “in ways you’ve never heard before.” The film titles will be chosen later this week but will be documentaries about Django, his contemporaries, and the gypsy lifestyle and their music. For updates,
follow Arts 5th Avenue on social media.
Tickets ($35 per day; $90 for a weekend pass) include a taste of Country French cuisine. Coffee and tea are provided. Other concessions are available by donation. Doors open at 6:30pm Fri-Sat and 5:30pm Sun.
As part of the annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Horses & Horsemen of the World gallops into Will Rogers Memorial Center (3401 W Lancaster Av, Fort Worth, 817-392-7469) at 7pm. Experience the culture and heritages of four countries through performances by Ben Atkinson of England, Dan James of Australia, Tomas Garcilazo of Mexico, and Bobby Kerr of the United States. Tickets start at $15 at bit.ly/HorsesandHorsemenTickets.
Waco-based Red Dirt boys Ghosts of Hill County are celebrating the release of their new single “Home for a Hotel” at Madame Pearl’s Dancehall & Saloon (302 W Exchange Av, Fort Worth,
682-730-2499). There is no cost to attend. You can also catch them at Hoots Bar (5220 E FM 1187, Burleson, 817-563-5583) on Friday. Both gigs are at 9pm. Cover is $10, but ladies get in free 7pm-9pm.
Unless you’re tied up this weekend, make plans to experience Raiders of the Lost Ark with
. Translation: Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is doing Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark in concert! As the classic 1981 film screens at Bass Performance Hall (525 Commerce St, Fort Worth, 817-212-4280) at 7:30pm Friday or Saturday, the FWSO will perform the epic John Williams score live. Tickets start at $36.30 at FWSymphony.org.
Claire Hinkle, Cory Cross, LABELS, and some other surprise guests will perform at the Fort Worth Weekly Music Awards at Tulips FTW (112 St. Louis Av, Fort Worth, 817-367-9798). MC Ian Mac will help us announce and celebrate the winners of our 2024 Music Awards starting at 6pm. There is no cost to attend. Please RSVP at bit.ly/FWWMA_Ceremony_JAN26.
By Jennifer Bovee
Ghosts of Hill County will celebrate the release of their new single Saturday at Pearl’s.
Comedian Ian Mac is doing the MC honors at the Fort Worth Weekly Music Awards Sunday at Tulips FTW.
the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra at Bass Hall.
Australian Dan James will perform as part of Horses & Horsemen of the World at Will Rogers on Friday.
WEEKLY LISTINGS
The List Top resources for everything.
Okay, almost everything.
By Fort Worth Weekly
Below are some resources for your consideration, including Free Will Astrology, home resources, and more. Welcome to Fort Worth Weekly Classifieds.
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19)
In 2025, you will have an extraordinary potential to use your mature faculties to beautifully express the wise innocence and lucid perceptions you were blessed with when you were young.
TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20)
In 2025, I suspect that you will cooperate rather harmoniously with adversaries. You and they will have stirring, provocative adventures together.
GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20)
You are primed to be an early adapter who launches trends. You will be the first to try novel approaches and experiment with variations in how things have always been done. Enjoy your special capacity. Be bold in generating innovations.
CANCERIAN (Jun 21-Jul 22)
The months ahead will be prime time for you to cultivate and attract peak experiences, those “rare, exciting, oceanic, deeply moving, exhilarating, elevating experiences that generate an advanced form of perceiving reality, and are even mystic and magical in their effect upon the experimenter.”
LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22)
You will have clearance to move and groove with daring expansiveness. Obligations and duties won’t disappear, but they’re more likely to be interesting than boring and arduous. Special dispensations and kind favors will flow more abundantly than they have in a long time.
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22)
What habits of mind and feeling have you absorbed from the world that are not in sync with your highest ideals? The coming months will be a favorable time to work on liberating yourself from your cultural conditioning.
Aquarius, beware of overthinking this month.
LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22)
You will reach the outer limits of your domain and then push on to explore beyond those limits. You will demolish at least one mental block, break at least one taboo, and dismantle an old wall that has interfered with your ability to give and receive love.
SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21)
If an existing intimate bond is less than optimal, the coming months will bring inspiration and breakthroughs to improve it. You could be on the verge of all kinds of enhanced synergetic connections, not just in your love life but in business and artistic partnerships.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21)
Expand your understanding of the nature of muses. They may be intriguing people, and might also take the form of voices in your head, ancestral mentors, beloved animals, famous creators, or spirit guides.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19)
Discover the deeper meanings beneath your experiences. Look for revelations about how to successfully wrangle problems, perpetrate liberation, ameliorate suffering, and find redemption.Use your stature and clout to perform an array of good works that are of service to your world this year. Animal rights, environmentalism, and human rights are all areas for your consideration.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20- Feb 18)
Heighten your awareness of which of your thoughts are excellent and which are not, but don’t think too much. Monitor the flow of your thoughts and practice the art of knowing which ones should be questioned and which should not be taken seriously. Don’t overthink it!
PISCES (Feb19-Mar 20)
Cultivate more peace of mind than you have ever managed to arouse. I double-dare you to update traditions whose emotional potency has waned.
EXPANDED HOROSCOPES
For unabridged versions of the horoscopes above by Rob Brezsny, go to FreeWillAstrology.com.
continued on page 22
CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIEDS
MIND-BODY-SPIRIT
THE AURA CLINIC
Full-service wellness, holistic, metaphysical, and psychic sanctuary at 6233 Oakmont Blvd, FWTX (817-200-7662). MyAuraClinic.com
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HAVE FAITH
CELEBRATION COMMUNITY CHURCH
Located at 908 Pennsylvania Av (817-335-3222), CCC has services on Sundays at 10am. Want to check out a nonjudgmental, inclusive church at home before attending in person? All services can also be viewed on YouTube (@CelebrationCommunityChurch130).
POTTER’S HOUSE
Join the Potter’s House of Fort Worth (1270 Woodhaven Blvd, 817446-1999) for Sunday Service at 8am and Wednesday Bible Study at 7pm. For more info, visit us online: www.TPHFW.org
HEALTH & WELLNESS
DENTAL INSURANCE
Physicians Mutual Insurance Company covers 350+ procedures. Get your FREE Dental
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LIFELINE SCREENINGS
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PLANNED PARENTHOOD
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HOME RESOURCES
BATHROOMS
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GENERATORS
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LEAF FILTER
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NEXTHOME
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Sarah Niehoff, Realtor 817-714-7956
PET SERVICES
DON’T FORGET TO FEED ME!
DF2FM is a 501c3 and the only pet food bank in North Texas. Feeding pets in difficult times. More info on FB @DFTFM.
FREE SPAY/NEUTER
Need a FREE Spay/ Neuter? Texas Coalition for Animal Protection has clinics near you. Schedule an appointment today.
TexasForThem.org Call 1-833-636-1757
PUBLIC NOTICES
TDLR Complaints
Any Texans who may be concerned that an unlicensed massage business may be in operation near them, or believe nail salon employees may be human trafficking victims, may now report those concerns directly to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) by emailing ReportHT@ TDLR.Texas.gov.
SUBMISSIONS
Do you have thoughts and feelings, or questions, comments, or concerns about something you read in the Weekly? Please email Question@ fwweekly.com. Do you have an upcoming event? For potential coverage in our listing sections, email the details to Marketing@fwweekly.com
WANT ADVERTISING? START HERE!
Approved by Sterling IRB, IRB ID: GENERIC-Alcon Clinical Research, Expires: 10/13/2025
CLASSIFIEDS
MAN seeking a FEMALE for a relationship.
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BULLETIN BOARD
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CATTLE BARN FLEA MARKET
4445 River Oaks Blvd
Saturday & Sunday 9a-5p
All your favorite vendors will be there Welcome Stock Show Cowboys! Earl’s booth has tack and other rodeo goodies!
CONNECT TO THE BEST!
Connect to the best wireless home internet with EarthLink. Enjoy speeds from 5G and 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-796-1750. (mb)
DENTAL INSURANCE
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DIRECTV OVER INTERNET
Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS at 1-855-810-7635! (mb)
DREAM BATHROOM
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EMPLOYMENT
180 Properties Co. LLC is Hiring
Sr. Property Financial Data Analyst needed for 180 Properties Co. LLC, a property investment company, located in Arlington, TX. Related degree and experience required. Email resume to michelle.v@180apt.com
EMPLOYMENT
General Manager in Fort Worth, TX, w/ Bach’s in Business Admin or rltd, to review & coord fin’l/budget activities; monitor suppliers to ensure quality of meats, veggies etc.; manage personnel incl training, eval & scheduling; coord catering orders & direct facility maintenance/repair activities. To apply, mail resume to 153 Fish Co., 9100 N Fwy Rd, Ste 120, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
EMPLOYMENT
Mouser Electronics, Inc. seeks a Cloud Network Engineer in Mansfield, TX. Ensure the optimal performance and reliability of Network Systems. Telecommuting Permitted. Apply at https://www.jobpostingtoday.com/ Ref # 28556.
HANNAH in HURST
Take a break from the rat race & feel better fast! 30+yrs Pro Massage (mt4797). No outcalls. 817-590-2257
HEATER HELP
American Residential Heating & Cooling. As temps outside start to drop, the season for savings is now. $49 heating system tune up. Save up to $2000 on a new system (restrictions apply.) FREE estimates. Many payment options available. Licensed and insured professionals. Call 1-877-447-0546 today! (mb)
HORROR FILM FUNDING
Fort Worth young adult seeks funding for an independent horror project. For more information or to donate, visit IndieGoGo.com/projects/ the-mastermind-the-movie#/
Is Your Ride Winter Weather Ready? CALL COWTOWN ROVER!
With our handy pick-up and drop-off services, having your car checked out could not be easier. www.CowtownRover.com 3958 Vickery | 817.731.3223
LIFE INSURANCE
Up to $15K of GUARANTEED Life Insurance! No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay for funeral and other final expenses. Visit Life55Plus.info/ FTWorth or call today! 844-782-2870
MAKE A POWER MOVE
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-year warranty with a qualifying purchase. Call 1-817-752-9457 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
More books than, WOW!
The Published Page Bookstop (10 E Chambers St, Cleburne, 817-349-6366) is open 10am-6pm Wed-Sat and 1pm-6pm Sun. An authentic “Old School” bookstore on the courthouse square of Historic Downtown Cleburne, TX, just 20 minutes south of FW, it’s a true Texas treasure. For more info, visit PublishedPage.com or find us on Facebook (@BiblioTreasures).
Prepare for power outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect™ standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-855-988-6789.
YOUR OLD CAR CAN HELP THE BLIND
Get a break on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855-5031501 today! (mb)
WALK-IN TUBS…GET ONE!
Safe Step. North Americas #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-868-0192. (mb)
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
We work with guest contributors to publish SEO articles and press releases. Email today! Marketing@fwweekly.com
THE WILD HARE HOLISTIC FAIR
Every 4th Saturday of the Month at 1959 Sandy Lane in Fort Worth. The next event is this Saturday, January 25th. ADMISSION IS FREE!
