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

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, with a rich history of success that includes five Super Bowl championships, numerous playoff appearances, and an iconic roster filled with legendary players. The team’s history is full of players who have defined the franchise’s legacy, and some of these figures have even gone on to make an impact in coaching after their playing careers ended. However, despite frequent speculation, one legendary former Cowboy is “not expected” to join Brian Schottenheimer’s staff as he takes on a new role with the team.

As the Cowboys continue to build for the future under head coach Mike McCarthy, many eyes have been on the team’s coaching staff and any potential changes. With McCarthy at the helm and Brian Schottenheimer taking over the role of offensive coordinator, fans and analysts alike have been eagerly speculating about which players from the past might return to help coach the team. One name that has come up repeatedly in the rumor mill is that of Troy Aikman, the legendary Cowboys quarterback and Hall of Famer. However, it now appears that Aikman is not likely to join the Cowboys’ coaching staff, a development that has left many disappointed but also thinking about what this means for the future of the team.

The Cowboys’ Coaching Shakeup Under Brian Schottenheimer

Before delving into why Aikman is unlikely to join the staff, it’s important to understand the context surrounding the coaching changes within the Cowboys organization. Brian Schottenheimer, who was hired to replace Kellen Moore as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, comes to Dallas with a wealth of experience. Schottenheimer has had stints with several teams, including the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, and Jacksonville Jaguars, and has worked with a number of high-profile quarterbacks throughout his career.

Schottenheimer’s appointment marks a new chapter for the Cowboys’ offense. Under Moore, the team’s offense had experienced a great deal of success, but McCarthy felt that a change was necessary to push the team to the next level. Schottenheimer’s ability to balance a potent passing game with a strong running attack will be crucial to the Cowboys’ success in 2025, and many are excited about the possibilities that he brings to the table.

One of Schottenheimer’s key challenges will be maintaining continuity while also implementing his own ideas. The Cowboys’ offense, led by Dak Prescott, has the potential to be explosive, but questions about playcalling, execution in crucial moments, and overall consistency have kept the team from reaching its full potential in recent seasons. Schottenheimer will need to figure out how to improve on these areas while ensuring that the offense remains effective.

Given Schottenheimer’s reputation for working well with quarterbacks, it makes sense that the possibility of bringing in former players to help mentor Dak Prescott and other members of the offense has been a subject of interest. Among the potential candidates, Troy Aikman has been a natural name to bring up, given his legendary status as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback during their dominant run in the 1990s.

Troy Aikman’s Legendary Cowboys Career

To understand the significance of Aikman’s name being brought up in coaching discussions, we first need to reflect on his illustrious career with the Dallas Cowboys. Aikman was the number one overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft and went on to become one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. During his time with the Cowboys, Aikman led the team to three Super Bowl titles (in 1992, 1993, and 1995) and was named the Super Bowl MVP in 1993.

Aikman was known for his leadership, precision passing, and ability to perform under pressure. His partnership with Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, and the Cowboys’ elite offensive line helped turn the Cowboys into the NFL’s most dominant team in the 1990s. Aikman’s career numbers reflect his success: he passed for over 32,000 yards, 165 touchdowns, and a career passer rating of 81.6, all while playing a crucial role in shaping the Cowboys’ dynasty during one of the most successful stretches in franchise history.

His leadership on the field earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. Since retiring, Aikman has remained a prominent figure in the Dallas Cowboys organization, working as a broadcaster and serving as a valued ambassador for the team.

Aikman’s knowledge of the game, particularly the quarterback position, is second to none. His experience navigating high-pressure situations, leading a championship-winning team, and working with some of the best offensive minds in NFL history would make him an ideal candidate for a coaching role, especially with the Cowboys’ offense. Given his historical ties to the team and his deep understanding of the game, it’s no surprise that Aikman’s name has been floated as a potential coaching candidate for the Cowboys.

The Likelihood of Aikman Joining Schottenheimer’s Staff

While Aikman’s credentials as a legendary quarterback and his deep ties to the Cowboys make him a natural fit in many fans’ eyes, it appears that he is “not expected” to join Brian Schottenheimer’s staff in the near future. There are a few reasons why this might be the case.

First and foremost, Aikman’s current professional obligations as a broadcaster for Monday Night Football have likely played a significant role in his decision to not pursue a coaching position at this time. Aikman has built a successful career as a sports analyst and has established a prominent place in the broadcasting world. His partnership with Joe Buck has been a defining feature of the MNF broadcast, and Aikman has become one of the most respected voices in football media.

Given Aikman’s success in broadcasting and the time commitment that comes with being a full-time NFL analyst, it’s understandable that he would not want to make a significant career change at this stage. Coaching at the NFL level, particularly as a coordinator or position coach, requires an immense amount of time and energy. While Aikman certainly has the qualifications to succeed as a coach, it appears that his current career trajectory in broadcasting is too important to him for him to step away from.

Additionally, while Aikman has a deep connection to the Cowboys, it’s also possible that he simply isn’t interested in returning to the coaching ranks at this point in his life. Coaching is an all-consuming job, and Aikman may prefer to stay in the media world, where he can still have a significant impact on the game without the pressure and time demands that come with a coaching role.

What Does This Mean for the Cowboys?

Despite the fact that Troy Aikman is unlikely to join Brian Schottenheimer’s staff, this does not mean that the Cowboys are without strong leadership on offense. Schottenheimer, as the new offensive coordinator, brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge, and he will be the one tasked with leading the team’s offense moving forward. The Cowboys also have an established and talented group of coaches in place, many of whom have worked with Dak Prescott and other key players for several years.

While fans may have hoped to see Aikman return to the Cowboys in a coaching role, the reality is that the team is in good hands. Mike McCarthy remains the head coach, and his experience in guiding teams to success is invaluable. Schottenheimer’s addition will provide fresh perspectives and strategies that can help the Cowboys take the next step offensively.

Ultimately, Aikman’s decision to remain in broadcasting does not diminish the legacy he built with the Cowboys, and it doesn’t mean that he won’t have a role in the team’s future in some other capacity. As a beloved figure in Dallas, Aikman will always have a presence around the franchise, whether it’s as an ambassador, mentor, or occasional guest in the locker room.