For their OC position, the Cowboys want to interview Kevin Koger, an assistant for the Falcons.

The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to interview Kevin Koger, an assistant coach for the Atlanta Falcons, for their offensive coordinator (OC) position is noteworthy for several reasons. Koger, who currently serves as the tight ends coach for the Falcons, could bring a fresh perspective to a Cowboys offense that has seen both highs and lows in recent seasons. His background in coaching, particularly in working under Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, might offer valuable insights into offensive scheming, player development, and adaptability—skills that the Cowboys may be looking for as they continue to evolve their offense.

This piece will explore Koger’s coaching journey, his potential fit for the Cowboys, and the broader context of Dallas’ offensive struggles and aspirations. We will also compare Koger’s coaching profile to other potential candidates and assess what he could offer the Cowboys as they move forward in a highly competitive NFC East division.

Kevin Koger’s Coaching Background

Kevin Koger’s path to becoming an assistant coach in the NFL has been both methodical and impressive. A former tight end at the University of Michigan, Koger played under head coach Rich Rodriguez before the program transitioned to Brady Hoke’s leadership. While Koger was a standout at Michigan, his NFL career didn’t quite take off as he had hoped. However, Koger transitioned into coaching, starting at the collegiate level before making his way into the NFL.

Koger began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Michigan, before taking roles at various schools, including serving as an offensive line coach and tight ends coach at the University of Toledo. His time at Toledo was marked by his ability to develop well-rounded, versatile players, which would later become a hallmark of his coaching style.

In 2020, Koger joined the NFL as a coaching intern with the Tennessee Titans. There, he had the opportunity to work under Arthur Smith, who was then the Titans’ offensive coordinator. Smith’s work with the Titans, especially his innovative use of tight ends and play-action, provided Koger with invaluable lessons in offensive scheming and how to maximize the talent of players within a system.

When Smith moved on to become the Falcons’ head coach in 2021, Koger followed him, taking on the role of tight ends coach. In this position, Koger continued to develop tight ends who could contribute both in the running and passing games. Under Koger’s tutelage, Falcons tight ends such as Kyle Pitts and Hayden Hurst gained prominence, and the position became a focal point of the team’s offense. This ability to mold tight ends into versatile, multidimensional players could translate well to the Cowboys, where tight end play has been inconsistent, and the team has struggled to develop a reliable receiving threat from the position.

Koger’s Potential Fit for the Cowboys

The Cowboys have a high-powered offense, boasting one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Dak Prescott, and a dynamic wide receiver corps, including CeeDee Lamb. However, the offense has often been criticized for its lack of consistency, especially in key moments of games. While there have been flashes of brilliance, the Cowboys’ offensive identity has appeared fractured at times, and they have struggled to achieve sustained success in the postseason.

One area where the Cowboys have not been able to fully capitalize is with their tight ends. While Dalton Schultz has been a reliable option, the tight end position has not been used to its full potential in the same way other teams, like the 49ers, have maximized their tight ends. This is where Koger could make a significant impact. Known for his ability to develop tight ends into dual threats as both blockers and pass-catchers, Koger could help Dallas diversify their offense and give Prescott more weapons to work with.

Koger’s background with Arthur Smith and the Falcons would also offer a valuable perspective on offensive schemes that could play into the strengths of Prescott and the Cowboys’ offensive line. Smith’s scheme has often been predicated on play-action, run-heavy sets, and utilizing tight ends as key components in the passing game. In particular, Koger’s work with tight ends like Pitts and Hurst shows his ability to exploit mismatches, especially in the red zone and short-yardage situations. If Koger could bring this same philosophy to the Cowboys, they could see more consistency and production from their tight end position, which in turn would help open up the rest of the offense.

The Cowboys have a strong offensive line that can control the line of scrimmage in both the run and pass games. A more effective tight end group could help solidify the offensive line even further by providing additional blocking support and creating more space for running back Tony Pollard and Prescott to operate. Koger’s ability to design plays that incorporate tight ends both in the passing game and as blockers could make the Cowboys offense more unpredictable, giving them an edge over defenses that might focus too heavily on their more traditional weapons.

The Cowboys’ Offensive Struggles

Despite being a perennial playoff contender, the Cowboys’ offense has not always lived up to expectations. In recent seasons, inconsistencies have plagued the unit, often making them one-dimensional or predictable in key moments. One of the primary issues with the offense has been its tendency to stall in the postseason. Over the past few years, the Cowboys have struggled to maintain offensive momentum in high-pressure games, particularly in the divisional round and beyond.

The Cowboys’ offense has also struggled in creating a balanced attack. While Dak Prescott is an elite quarterback capable of leading an offense, he has often been forced to carry the entire load. There have been periods where the running game has been inconsistent, especially after Ezekiel Elliott’s decline. Pollard has shown promise, but the team has not been able to establish a consistent running game to take pressure off of Prescott.

Additionally, the Cowboys have often been criticized for failing to make effective use of their tight ends. Schultz has been solid, but other tight ends on the roster have not developed into reliable targets in the passing game. In an offense that already has a high volume of passing attempts directed at wide receivers, improving the tight end position could help diversify the attack and make it more difficult for defenses to predict the Cowboys’ next move.

Koger’s focus on the tight end position could provide a valuable solution to this problem. The tight end position is often an overlooked but essential aspect of an offense, capable of creating mismatches and opening up the field for other players. If Koger can bring that element to the Cowboys’ offense, it could be the missing piece to elevate them to the next level.

Comparison to Other Candidates

While Koger is a strong candidate for the offensive coordinator position, the Cowboys have reportedly been considering other options as well. Some names that have surfaced include experienced coaches like Kellen Moore, who was the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator for several seasons before leaving for the Chargers, and Frank Reich, a former NFL head coach with a strong offensive background.

Comparing Koger to these candidates highlights a few key differences. Kellen Moore, who was with the Cowboys from 2018 to 2022, helped develop Prescott into one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Moore’s offensive schemes were high-powered, but they sometimes lacked balance or the ability to adapt in critical moments. While Moore had a great rapport with Prescott, his departure was largely attributed to a need for more creative and consistent playcalling. Koger, on the other hand, could bring a fresh perspective to the offense and could work well with both Prescott and the Cowboys’ offensive staff.

Frank Reich is another intriguing option. Reich has a wealth of experience in both coordinating offenses and serving as a head coach. His success with the Indianapolis Colts’ offense, particularly with quarterbacks like Andrew Luck and Carson Wentz, speaks to his ability to develop quarterbacks and build an offense around their strengths. However, Reich’s system tends to lean heavily on the passing game, which may not be the most ideal fit for a Cowboys offense that has a strong running game and needs to be more balanced.

Ultimately, Koger’s ability to develop tight ends and his familiarity with the offensive philosophies of Arthur Smith could make him a strong choice. The Cowboys need someone who can offer innovative ideas while also maximizing the strengths of their current roster. Koger’s versatility and understanding of both the passing and running games could be a significant asset.