Stephen Jones outlines the qualities the Dallas Cowboys are looking for in an offensive coordinator.

The Dallas Cowboys have a long history of success and high expectations, with each new season bringing a renewed sense of optimism among fans and stakeholders. However, in recent years, despite boasting talented rosters, the Cowboys have been unable to break through the postseason barrier to claim the franchise’s first Super Bowl title since the 1995 season. A crucial part of the team’s ability to reach its full potential is the offensive coordinator, a position that directly influences the success or failure of the team’s offensive strategy.

As the Cowboys’ front office evaluates candidates for the role of offensive coordinator, Stephen Jones, the team’s executive vice president, has been vocal about the qualities he believes are critical to revitalizing and improving the team’s offensive game plan. Stephen, who has played an instrumental role in shaping the team’s direction over the years, understands that the right hire can change the trajectory of the franchise.

In his most recent comments, Stephen outlined the qualities that the Cowboys are prioritizing in their search for an offensive coordinator. These attributes reflect both the current needs of the team and the vision of a modern, balanced offense that can lead the Cowboys back to championship contention. Let’s dive deeper into the specific qualities that Stephen Jones emphasized and how they might shape the Cowboys’ offense going forward.

1. Innovation and Creativity: The Need for Fresh Ideas

In a league where innovation and adaptability are keys to success, the Cowboys are seeking an offensive coordinator who can think outside the box and bring fresh, creative ideas to the table. As Stephen Jones pointed out, the NFL is evolving rapidly, and the days of relying solely on traditional offensive strategies are long gone. With teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Buffalo Bills thriving on dynamic and unpredictable offenses, the Cowboys must position themselves at the forefront of this evolution.

An offensive coordinator for the Cowboys must have the ability to implement new concepts, be it in the form of modern passing schemes, innovative run-pass options (RPOs), or creative ways to maximize mismatches with playmakers. The team is looking for someone who can blend the cutting-edge concepts of today’s game with a deep understanding of what makes a successful offense in a highly competitive league.

Stephen Jones emphasized that the coordinator must be forward-thinking, not just relying on the tried-and-true playbook of the past, but adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of the NFL. This will require a willingness to experiment, take calculated risks, and implement schemes that stretch the defense and keep them guessing. Jones hinted that it’s not just about using flashy plays but strategically applying these innovations to create sustained success.

2. Strong Communication Skills: Building Relationships and Leadership

As important as Xs and Os are, Stephen Jones underscored the importance of communication in the role of an offensive coordinator. A successful coordinator needs to have strong interpersonal skills, especially when it comes to connecting with players, coaches, and the front office. Jones knows that building relationships is key to ensuring that a team’s offensive game plan is not only understood but also executed at a high level.

For the Cowboys, communication isn’t just about the offensive coordinator relaying plays to the quarterback. It extends to building trust with all offensive players, from the offensive line to the wide receivers, and fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. The ability to inspire players, keep them motivated, and ensure that everyone is on the same page is critical to creating a smooth-running offense.

Jones also highlighted that the offensive coordinator must be able to communicate effectively with the head coach, particularly in collaborative environments where feedback is essential. In the modern NFL, the relationship between the offensive coordinator and head coach is vital in ensuring that the team can make adjustments on the fly and respond to challenges during games. As the Cowboys look to upgrade their offensive strategy, this will be a crucial part of the selection process.

3. A Track Record of Success with Quarterbacks

Quarterbacks are at the heart of every NFL offense, and Stephen Jones knows that the Cowboys’ success hinges on getting the most out of their franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott. While Prescott has shown flashes of brilliance, his consistency has been an issue at times. As Jones has emphasized, finding an offensive coordinator with a proven track record of developing quarterbacks is a priority for the Cowboys.

Whether it’s working with a young, up-and-coming quarterback or refining the skills of an established veteran like Prescott, the coordinator must possess the expertise to maximize the signal-caller’s potential. Stephen Jones pointed to the importance of experience in quarterback development, suggesting that the Cowboys are looking for someone who has worked with elite quarterbacks in the past—whether in terms of individual coaching or designing systems that play to the quarterback’s strengths.

This quality is critical because Prescott’s ability to take his game to the next level will be a major factor in determining the team’s future success. Schottenheimer, the new head coach, has already made it clear that Prescott will be central to the offensive system, and the offensive coordinator will play a pivotal role in helping him reach his potential. A coordinator who can tailor the offense to Prescott’s strengths—while also encouraging him to develop in areas like decision-making, accuracy, and leadership—will be a top priority for the Cowboys.

4. Balance and Versatility: Run and Pass Play Design

One of the hallmarks of great offenses in today’s NFL is their ability to strike a balance between the run and pass games. Stephen Jones acknowledged that the Cowboys’ offense must be versatile enough to keep defenses guessing and dynamic enough to capitalize on mismatches.

An offensive coordinator for the Cowboys must be capable of designing an offense that’s effective both in the air and on the ground. While Dak Prescott’s arm talent is unquestioned, the Cowboys also boast one of the most explosive running backs in Tony Pollard, whose ability to hit the home run play makes him a cornerstone of the offense. Schottenheimer has already indicated that the team will be looking to emphasize the run game while still using Prescott’s arm to keep defenses on their heels.

Stephen Jones reiterated that a versatile offensive coordinator would need to design schemes that create balance, ensuring the Cowboys can move the ball effectively through both the passing and running games. The ability to adjust the game plan based on opponents’ weaknesses and in-game conditions is a key quality the Cowboys will prioritize. The offensive coordinator must also have the flexibility to call plays that are suited to the strengths of the players, rather than forcing players into a rigid system.

5. Ability to Adapt and Make In-Game Adjustments

The Cowboys have often found themselves in situations where in-game adjustments made a significant difference in the outcome of the game. As Stephen Jones pointed out, a successful offensive coordinator must be able to make real-time adjustments, whether it’s in response to changes in the opponent’s defense or a shift in momentum.

An offensive coordinator with a keen understanding of the game’s flow—who knows when to push the tempo, when to slow things down, and when to pivot in terms of strategy—is invaluable. Jones stressed that the ability to read the game, identify mismatches, and adjust the offensive strategy accordingly is crucial for a coordinator to be successful in Dallas.

This quality also ties into the overall theme of adaptability, which Jones emphasized earlier. The offensive coordinator must not only bring fresh ideas to the table but also be able to adapt those ideas as the season progresses. Whether it’s dealing with injuries, adjusting to different types of defenses, or tweaking the system to get the best out of the players, adaptability will be a critical factor in the Cowboys’ offensive success.

6. A Strong Understanding of the NFC East

While the NFL is a league filled with talented teams, the Cowboys play in the NFC East, one of the most competitive divisions in the league. Stephen Jones noted that the offensive coordinator must have a strong understanding of the teams and players within the NFC East and how to exploit weaknesses specific to division rivals.

The Cowboys’ most important games often come against division opponents, and knowing how to attack the likes of the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants will be a key part of the coordinator’s responsibilities. Jones emphasized that experience within the division would be a valuable asset for any potential candidate.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

As the Dallas Cowboys continue to chase their elusive Super Bowl title, the qualities that Stephen Jones outlined in their search for an offensive coordinator are a reflection of the team’s forward-looking vision. The Cowboys need a coach who is not only capable of improving the team’s offense but also able to build relationships, develop their quarterback, and create a balanced and adaptable attack. With the right leadership, the Cowboys can take the next step toward returning to championship contention.

In the end, the qualities that Jones outlined are not just about finding a good coordinator—they’re about finding the right fit for the Cowboys’ unique situation, one that embraces innovation, develops talent, and instills a winning mentality across the team. Whoever ultimately takes the reins as the offensive coordinator will have the responsibility of unlocking the full potential of the Cowboys’ offense—and Stephen Jones is making it clear that the right leader for the job will be crucial in shaping the team’s future.