Dallas Cowboys All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons called the decision to part with head coach Mike McCarthy “devastating.”

Parsons said on “The Edge” podcast this week he was not expecting Dallas and McCarthy to go separate ways after five seasons. McCarthy is the only head coach Parsons has played for in the NFL.

“I’m obviously very sad because of the relationships we had with Coach McCarthy and everything he’s done for our program,” Parsons said on the podcast. “Three straight 12-5 seasons, playoff appearances and obviously an unfortunate year due to injuries. … It is devastating. Coach Mike is a great father, great coach. One of the most winningest coaches. He’s always been good to us as a unit, coaches, players. Losing a great coach like Mike hurts.”

NFL Network reported Wednesday that the Cowboys are expected to interview former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh for the available position.

Already Parsons and the Cowboys were entering what could be a contentious stage in their relationship because of his contract status. The 25-year-old is set to play on a team option worth $24 million in 2025 and recent history shows owner and general manager Jerry Jones is willing to let the clock tick before addressing extensions. Before massive contracts were reached with CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott in 2024, the two sides engaged in extended standoffs.

Lamb held out of training camp and signed days before the start of the 2024 regular season.

Even so, Parsons said he believes Jones will make the right decision in replacing McCarthy.

“But listen, I already know,” he told the podcast. “I trust my owner, I trust our GM, I trust (vice president of player personnel) Will McClay that we’re going to make the right decisions when it comes to coaching.”

–Field Level Media