Jerry Jones and Mike McCarthy sat down to talk Tuesday. Later in the day, the Cowboys denied Chicago’s request to interview McCarthy for its head coaching vacancy. The two are related, based on what two people with knowledge of the impending discussions told The Dallas Morning News after the Bears made their request.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently spoke about the future of head coach Mike McCarthy, stating that he was fine with McCarthy seeking interviews elsewhere. That elsewhere was revealed when the Chicago Bears formally requested to interview the Cowboys coach for their head coaching vacancy.

The five-year contract McCarthy signed in January 2020 runs out Jan. 14. He made it clear Sunday he wants to remain in Dallas.