Does the legendary Tennessee Vols player have a chance to get hired by the Dallas Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most iconic and successful teams in NFL history, with a rich tradition and a fanbase that spans the globe. As a result, the Cowboys are often in the spotlight when it comes to player acquisitions, coaching decisions, and organizational moves. In recent years, the franchise has been known for its high-profile personnel decisions, particularly when it comes to coaching hires and player signings. With that in mind, many people are wondering whether a legendary Tennessee Vols player could be the next big name in the Cowboys organization.

The question arises: does this legendary Tennessee Vols player have a chance to get hired by the Dallas Cowboys? In this article, we’ll explore the likelihood of such a hire, the player’s qualifications, the Cowboys’ current needs, and the broader context of coaching and organizational decisions in the NFL. Let’s break it down and examine whether this move makes sense for both the Vols legend and the Cowboys.

The Legendary Tennessee Vols Player

To understand the potential for this hire, we first need to identify which legendary Tennessee Vols player we’re discussing. There are many former Vols who have made a significant impact in the NFL, whether as players or coaches, but for the sake of this article, let’s focus on one of the most notable figures in recent Tennessee football history: Peyton Manning.

Peyton Manning is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. His storied career at the University of Tennessee set the stage for his legendary tenure with the Indianapolis Colts and later the Denver Broncos. Manning’s incredible arm strength, football intelligence, and leadership qualities made him a standout at every level of the game. Throughout his career, he became synonymous with success, winning two Super Bowl titles, an NFL MVP award five times, and setting numerous league records along the way.

Manning’s career at Tennessee, while impressive, was just the beginning of his impact on football. His success in the NFL turned him into a household name, and his influence extended beyond the field. As one of the most recognized and respected figures in football, Manning’s legacy at Tennessee remains one of the most significant in the program’s history. His connection to the Vols is deep, and his name is etched into the history of college football.

While Manning retired from playing after the 2015 season, he has remained involved in football in various capacities. He has become a popular figure in broadcasting, with his “Manningcast” on Monday Night Football gaining widespread attention for its engaging format and unique perspective. His commentary career has further solidified his place as a football icon. However, Manning has also expressed interest in coaching or becoming more directly involved in NFL team management in the future. Given his qualifications and reputation, it’s no surprise that there have been rumors about his potential foray into coaching or front-office work.

The Dallas Cowboys’ Current Coaching Situation

The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the most high-profile teams in the NFL for decades, both for their success on the field and for the drama that often surrounds the team. With the hiring of head coach Mike McCarthy in 2020, the Cowboys were hoping to find stability and a pathway to return to championship contention. McCarthy, who won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers, was seen as a solid hire, but despite the promise of a high-powered offense and a talented roster, the Cowboys have faced mixed results during McCarthy’s tenure.

As of 2025, McCarthy has not been able to bring the Cowboys to the heights that fans and ownership expect, with playoff losses continuing to haunt the team. While the Cowboys have a strong roster and significant talent at key positions, questions surrounding coaching, particularly in big-game situations, have led to speculation that McCarthy’s job could be on the line.

Moreover, the Cowboys have had a turbulent relationship with their coaching staff, as the team has gone through several changes over the years. The franchise is known for making bold decisions, and it’s possible that they could look for a new direction in the near future. In that context, a name like Peyton Manning could pique the interest of team owner Jerry Jones, known for his willingness to make bold and unconventional moves.

Peyton Manning’s Coaching Credentials

While Peyton Manning is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished and knowledgeable football minds of his generation, coaching in the NFL is a different challenge altogether. Manning’s career as a player undoubtedly gives him a tremendous understanding of the game, but coaching requires a different skill set. It involves not just knowledge of the game but also the ability to communicate, motivate, and manage personalities within a locker room.

Manning’s background in broadcasting and his work with the “Manningcast” have given him an opportunity to hone his communication skills, and his deep understanding of football strategy is widely regarded as one of his strengths. However, Manning has not officially coached in the NFL, and his lack of experience in a formal coaching role could be a major hurdle in his pursuit of an NFL coaching job. The NFL is a demanding environment, and many successful coaches have spent years developing their craft before landing a head coaching position.

That said, Manning’s wealth of experience and his reputation as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game could make him an attractive candidate for teams seeking to rejuvenate their coaching staff. It is not uncommon for highly successful former players to transition into coaching roles, and Manning’s pedigree makes him an intriguing possibility for teams like the Cowboys.

Why Would the Dallas Cowboys Consider Peyton Manning?

Several factors could make Peyton Manning an appealing candidate for the Dallas Cowboys. First and foremost, the Cowboys have an incredibly talented roster, particularly on offense, with star players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons. Manning’s background as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history could allow him to develop Prescott into an even better player, using his expertise to maximize the offense’s potential.

Manning’s ability to read defenses, understand opposing strategies, and make quick decisions would translate well into an offensive-minded coaching philosophy. The Cowboys’ offensive struggles in big games have been a point of criticism under McCarthy, and Manning’s arrival could provide the team with a fresh perspective and a new approach to their offensive scheme.

Another reason why Manning could be a good fit for the Cowboys is his leadership and ability to inspire. Throughout his career, Manning was known for his intense preparation, his meticulous approach to the game, and his ability to lead teams to success. His presence in the Cowboys’ locker room could provide the team with a steady, respected voice that demands excellence. Manning’s winning pedigree and experience in high-pressure situations could help instill the discipline and accountability needed to succeed in the postseason, an area where the Cowboys have struggled in recent years.

Finally, there is the aspect of Jerry Jones’ leadership style. Jones has often been described as a bold, unconventional owner who is willing to take risks to make the Cowboys relevant again. Hiring a high-profile name like Manning could be seen as a bold move that shakes up the team’s culture and direction, aligning with Jones’ willingness to make splashy decisions.

Challenges to Peyton Manning’s Hiring by the Dallas Cowboys

Despite the potential upside, there are several challenges to Peyton Manning’s hiring by the Dallas Cowboys. First and foremost, Manning’s lack of experience as a head coach or coordinator is a major hurdle. Coaching in the NFL requires more than just a deep understanding of football – it also demands organizational skills, the ability to manage a staff, handle the media, and work with players who may be resistant to a new voice. Manning’s transition from player to coach would be a significant one, and the Cowboys would need to be confident that he has the necessary skills to succeed in such a high-profile role.

Additionally, Manning’s lack of familiarity with day-to-day NFL coaching operations could be a challenge. While he may have a deep understanding of the game, running an NFL team requires knowledge of personnel management, strategy, and player development on both sides of the ball. Manning would need to surround himself with experienced assistant coaches who can help him manage these aspects of the job, something that could take time to develop.

Finally, there is the question of timing. If the Cowboys were to fire McCarthy or make a coaching change, they would need to ensure that Manning is the right fit at the right time. The NFL is a results-driven league, and making a change at head coach is a major decision that impacts the entire organization. The Cowboys would need to weigh whether Manning’s potential as a head coach outweighs his lack of experience and if they’re willing to invest in such a significant transition.