Many were shocked when the Dallas Cowboys announced they had parted ways with former head coach Mike McCarthy on Monday. The two sides were reportedly engaged in talks about a contract extension after McCarthy led the team to four wins in five games from Nov.

This is what Cowboys purgatory looks like. Mike McCarthy’s job with the team is very much undecided with his contract expiring in less than a week. But as ESPN reported Thursday, the “future” was on the table during a recent discussion between the Super Bowl-winning coach and team owner Jerry Jones.

The Cowboys and their coach are parting ways after a losing season that followed on the heels of a string of playoff disappointments.