A legendary member of the Dallas Cowboys is “not expected” to join Brian Schottenheimer’s staff.

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in the history of the NFL, have undergone significant changes in recent years. With the arrival of Mike McCarthy as head coach, the Cowboys are now looking to put together a staff capable of returning the team to championship contention. One name that has continuously been linked to a potential role on McCarthy’s staff is a Dallas Cowboys legend—a player who helped define the team’s success in previous decades. However, in a surprising twist, reports have indicated that this legendary player is “not expected” to join the coaching staff of Brian Schottenheimer, the new offensive coordinator.

While the details surrounding this decision remain somewhat unclear, the absence of this former Cowboy from Schottenheimer’s staff has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. This development has led to numerous questions about the team’s future, the role of legendary players in the coaching world, and what this means for the Cowboys’ offensive plans moving forward. Was the potential addition of this legendary figure to the coaching staff ever a realistic possibility? And how will the Cowboys’ offense evolve without this figure in the fold?

In this article, we will explore the significance of this legendary player’s exclusion from the staff, the broader implications for the Cowboys, and what the team may look like under Schottenheimer’s leadership as the 2025 season approaches.

1. The Legendary Dallas Cowboys Figure: Who Are We Talking About?

To understand the full impact of this news, it is important to first clarify who this legendary Dallas Cowboys player is. Over the years, the Cowboys have been home to some of the NFL’s greatest players, including icons like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, and Deion Sanders. All of these players were instrumental in the Cowboys’ success during their respective eras, and each has cemented their place in Cowboys lore.

The name in question, however, is Jason Witten. Witten, one of the most revered tight ends in NFL history, played 17 seasons with the Cowboys and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Cowboys uniform. His leadership, toughness, and consistency on the field made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the team’s success during the 2000s and 2010s.

Witten’s career was marked by numerous accolades, including Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, and the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. As a tight end, he was known for his exceptional route running, hands, and ability to block in the run game. Beyond his on-field success, Witten was admired for his leadership and mentorship, both in the locker room and in the community.

After retiring from football, Witten briefly transitioned to a career as a color analyst for Monday Night Football before returning to the Cowboys for a final season in 2019. Since then, speculation has been rampant about whether Witten would transition into coaching, potentially following in the footsteps of other former Cowboys who have gone on to successful coaching careers.

2. Brian Schottenheimer’s Role as Offensive Coordinator

In 2023, Brian Schottenheimer was hired by the Cowboys as their offensive coordinator, succeeding Kellen Moore, who left the team after several years of mixed results. Schottenheimer, who has an extensive coaching resume, is known for his work with quarterbacks and his adaptability in running diverse offensive systems.

Schottenheimer’s experience includes stints as an offensive coordinator with several NFL teams, including the St. Louis Rams, New York Jets, and Seattle Seahawks. He was particularly successful in Seattle, where he helped craft one of the most run-heavy and successful offenses of the 2010s, centered around quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seahawks’ potent rushing attack. His familiarity with both the passing and running games gives him a broad understanding of how to tailor an offense to the strengths of his personnel.

Given Schottenheimer’s reputation and experience, it’s no surprise that the Cowboys hoped to build a productive and balanced offense under his guidance. With Dak Prescott returning as the team’s quarterback and an array of playmakers at the skill positions, Schottenheimer was tasked with finding a way to bring the most out of a talented roster.

However, despite his arrival and the anticipation surrounding his hire, one of the more intriguing storylines has been the speculation that a Cowboys legend, specifically Jason Witten, could join the coaching staff as a mentor or assistant. That is, until the recent news broke that Witten is “not expected” to join Schottenheimer’s staff.

3. The Potential Fit of Jason Witten on the Cowboys’ Staff

Given Jason Witten’s deep connection to the Cowboys and his wealth of football knowledge, many speculated that he could be an excellent fit for a coaching position. His background as a player, his leadership on and off the field, and his reputation as one of the most professional and dedicated athletes in NFL history made him a natural candidate for a coaching role.

3.1 Mentorship for Tight Ends and Offensive Players

One of the most logical roles for Witten on the Cowboys’ staff would have been as a tight ends coach. Witten, after all, spent the bulk of his career as one of the NFL’s premier tight ends. His experience in the position, combined with his understanding of what it takes to succeed in the NFL, could have been invaluable for the Cowboys’ current crop of tight ends.

The Cowboys have some promising young talent at tight end, including Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot. With Schottenheimer focusing on the overall offensive strategy, having a player of Witten’s caliber working directly with the tight ends could have helped elevate their play and provide a level of mentorship that is difficult to replicate.

3.2 Leadership and Team Building

Beyond his technical expertise, Witten was known for his leadership. His work ethic, discipline, and ability to inspire his teammates were central to his long and successful career. Witten’s presence in the locker room would have been invaluable in shaping the culture of the Cowboys’ team under Mike McCarthy and Schottenheimer.

In a coaching capacity, Witten could have been a guiding figure for players, helping them navigate the pressures of playing in the NFL and fostering a team-first mentality. His leadership could have been particularly useful as the Cowboys continue to evolve under Schottenheimer’s offensive philosophy.

3.3 Familiarity with the Cowboys’ Culture

Witten’s deep ties to the Cowboys organization and his familiarity with the team’s history and culture would have allowed him to seamlessly integrate into the coaching staff. As someone who had lived through the highs and lows of the Cowboys’ recent history, Witten would have been in a unique position to offer valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in Dallas.

4. Why Witten Won’t Be Joining Schottenheimer’s Staff

Despite the potential fit and the excitement surrounding the idea of Witten joining the Cowboys’ coaching staff, the recent news that he is “not expected” to join Schottenheimer’s team has left many fans and analysts questioning why this is the case. While there is no definitive answer, several factors could be at play.

4.1 Personal Decisions and Family Considerations

One possible reason for Witten’s decision not to join the coaching staff could be related to personal or family considerations. Coaching in the NFL is an incredibly demanding job, requiring long hours and frequent travel. After a long playing career, Witten may have decided that coaching was not the right fit for his lifestyle at this point, choosing instead to remain involved in the game in other ways.

4.2 Coaching Philosophy and Approach

Another potential reason for Witten’s absence from Schottenheimer’s staff could be related to differences in coaching philosophy. Schottenheimer is known for his strategic flexibility, while Witten’s approach to the game was always more about discipline, consistency, and execution. It’s possible that Witten and Schottenheimer’s vision for the offense simply didn’t align in a way that made his inclusion on the staff a natural fit.

4.3 Other Career Opportunities

It’s also possible that Witten simply has other career opportunities that he finds more appealing. After his time in broadcasting and his brief return to the Cowboys as a player, Witten may be exploring other avenues within football or beyond the game entirely. The transition from player to coach is not always a smooth one, and some former players prefer to remain in the media, work in a front-office role, or pursue other business ventures.

5. The Future for the Cowboys and Schottenheimer’s Staff

While the absence of Jason Witten from Schottenheimer’s staff may be disappointing for some fans, the Cowboys’ future remains bright. With Schottenheimer at the helm of the offense, the team still has plenty of potential to put together a potent, balanced offensive attack.

The Cowboys’ offensive core, including quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Tony Pollard, and wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb, remains intact and will be crucial to the team’s success moving forward. Schottenheimer has experience building offenses around quarterbacks, and his ability to tailor the offense to his personnel will be key to the Cowboys’ chances of contending in the NFC East.

Furthermore, while Witten’s absence on the coaching staff may seem like a missed opportunity, the Cowboys still have plenty of experienced and capable coaches on hand to help develop young players and maximize the talent on the roster.