The Cowboys reveal important information on Will McClay’s future under Brian Schottenheimer.

In the high-stakes world of the Dallas Cowboys, one of the most intriguing relationships in the organization is that of Will McClay and the new head coach, Brian Schottenheimer. McClay has been with the Cowboys since 2009 and is widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in the NFL in terms of player personnel and scouting. As the Vice President of Player Personnel, McClay has had a tremendous influence on the Cowboys’ roster-building process, shaping the team into a perennial contender with his keen eye for talent and ability to evaluate players.

However, with Brian Schottenheimer now assuming the role of head coach, questions surrounding McClay’s future and his role in the team’s structure have been on the minds of many Cowboys fans and NFL analysts alike. Would Schottenheimer bring in his own team of evaluators? Would McClay’s influence remain intact, or would his responsibilities shift under the new regime?

Jerry Jones, the ever-vocal owner of the Cowboys, has long lauded McClay’s work, acknowledging his essential role in the team’s success. Schottenheimer’s appointment as head coach marks a significant shift in the Cowboys’ organizational dynamic, but the questions about how McClay fits into the picture are more pressing than ever.

This article will dive into the importance of Will McClay’s role, how the team has responded to concerns about his future under Schottenheimer, and why McClay remains one of the most crucial figures in the Cowboys’ pursuit of a Super Bowl.

The Will McClay Legacy: A Powerful Influence on the Cowboys

Will McClay’s impact on the Dallas Cowboys cannot be overstated. As the Vice President of Player Personnel, McClay has been largely responsible for shaping the Cowboys’ roster, focusing on both scouting and player evaluation. His deep understanding of the NFL Draft, free agency, and talent development has helped build one of the most consistent rosters in the NFL. McClay’s ability to identify high-caliber players at every position, from star quarterbacks to underrated offensive linemen, has set him apart as one of the premier decision-makers in football.

Perhaps McClay’s most significant accomplishment is his knack for uncovering diamonds in the rough. He has helped draft future Pro Bowlers like Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and Trevon Diggs, but his brilliance extends beyond the first round. Players like Tyler Biadasz and Jayron Kearse — who were not considered blue-chip prospects — have blossomed into key contributors under McClay’s watch, showcasing his ability to develop and spot hidden talent.

McClay has built a reputation as someone who works tirelessly behind the scenes, making evaluations based on a wide range of factors that go beyond typical metrics like combine results or college production. His football IQ, attention to detail, and ability to maintain a long-term vision have contributed significantly to the Cowboys’ sustained success, especially when compared to many of the league’s other personnel departments.

His approach has built a team capable of competing year in and year out, but now the question remains: What happens to McClay’s influence in the organization with Schottenheimer now leading the team?

Brian Schottenheimer’s Role and Approach to Personnel

As the new head coach of the Cowboys, Brian Schottenheimer brings an interesting dynamic to the team’s decision-making structure. Schottenheimer has spent most of his career as an offensive coordinator, with stints in Seattle, Indianapolis, and St. Louis, and while he has earned a reputation for his offensive expertise, he has not yet been a head coach at the NFL level.

In Schottenheimer’s role, he will undoubtedly have significant input on offensive personnel decisions and how to build a scheme that maximizes the abilities of quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb, and the Cowboys’ offensive line. However, one of the most critical aspects of Schottenheimer’s leadership will be his ability to manage the roster and understand how to balance his offensive schemes with the needs of the team as a whole.

The Future of Will McClay Under Brian Schottenheimer

Jerry Jones’ Support for McClay

While the introduction of a new head coach usually brings with it some uncertainty regarding the future of key front office figures, Jerry Jones has consistently expressed his support for Will McClay. Jones has repeatedly acknowledged McClay’s invaluable role in constructing the team’s roster and has made it clear that McClay’s influence on personnel decisions will remain largely intact, even under Schottenheimer’s regime.

Jones recently made a statement reinforcing McClay’s importance to the Cowboys’ organization, noting, “Will McClay is a critical part of our success, and that won’t change. He’s the foundation of how we build this team. His expertise is invaluable, and we want him to continue leading our personnel department.” These comments signal that while Schottenheimer will have control of the day-to-day football operations and will make final decisions on game strategy, McClay’s role as the lead talent evaluator will remain unaffected.

Schottenheimer’s Trust in McClay

Schottenheimer himself has spoken highly of McClay’s work and has acknowledged the immense value of having a strong personnel department. In interviews leading up to his appointment, Schottenheimer made it clear that he trusts McClay’s judgment and that the two would work collaboratively to build a roster capable of competing for championships. Schottenheimer’s experience working with strong personnel departments in his previous coaching roles has reinforced his understanding of how essential the scouting and player development process is to a successful team.

Schottenheimer is expected to bring his offensive philosophy to the Cowboys, and this will likely involve some tweaks to the team’s roster, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. However, this should not signal a departure from McClay’s influence. Schottenheimer’s expertise in building and leading an offense will likely complement McClay’s role, and both will work together to balance the team’s offensive and defensive needs.

This partnership between McClay and Schottenheimer is expected to be one of mutual respect. McClay has an eye for talent and can evaluate players, but Schottenheimer’s knowledge of offensive schemes and how players fit into those schemes is a significant factor in roster decisions. The two figures are expected to work closely, ensuring the Cowboys have a well-rounded roster that maximizes every player’s potential.

The Role of Jerry Jones as Mediator

While Jerry Jones may not be directly involved in daily football operations, he is a central figure in the decision-making process. His close relationship with both McClay and Schottenheimer ensures that there is open communication between all parties. Jones is the one who ultimately sets the tone for the organization and ensures that both McClay and Schottenheimer are on the same page in terms of vision and goals.

Jones’ loyalty to McClay, combined with Schottenheimer’s respect for McClay’s evaluation skills, has created an atmosphere of collaboration. Jones himself has made it clear that he expects both men to contribute to the team’s success and is not interested in seeing one of the most successful personnel directors in the league pushed out in favor of a new coach’s agenda. With this in mind, McClay’s future as the Cowboys’ personnel head seems secure, even with the shift to Schottenheimer as head coach.

Potential Changes and Areas of Collaboration

While McClay’s role as the team’s lead evaluator appears secure, there are likely to be changes in how the Cowboys approach personnel decisions moving forward. Schottenheimer, as an offensive-minded head coach, will have a direct influence on how the Cowboys prioritize their offensive talent, particularly in terms of evaluating and acquiring quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive linemen.

For example, Schottenheimer may push for specific types of receivers who can thrive in a vertical passing game, or for offensive linemen with the versatility to execute a more up-tempo offense. Additionally, he could have a significant influence on decisions regarding the Cowboys’ quarterback depth, particularly if Schottenheimer has a vision of how the team can build around Dak Prescott or future quarterbacks.

However, McClay’s expertise in scouting will still be a critical part of the equation. While Schottenheimer may have strong opinions on the types of players that fit his offensive system, McClay’s evaluations will help ensure that those players have the necessary physical and mental attributes to succeed at the NFL level. As the two work together, McClay’s broad experience in scouting and drafting will allow Schottenheimer to refine his vision for the team while ensuring that the talent brought in can execute that vision effectively.