Cowboys’ New Offensive Coordinator Hire Seals Veteran’s Fate

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, teams continuously search for ways to improve their performance on the field, especially when it comes to the all-important offensive side of the game. One of the most significant moves in recent times for the Dallas Cowboys was their decision to hire a new offensive coordinator. This change is not only set to alter the dynamic of the Cowboys’ offense but could also have significant implications for the future of a veteran player whose role with the team may be drastically affected.

As with any major coaching change, particularly one that focuses on offensive strategy, there are always ripple effects across the roster. Some players may see their stock rise, while others might see their playing time dwindle, or even worse, find themselves looking for new opportunities elsewhere. The Dallas Cowboys have been a team on the cusp of greatness for the past few seasons, often falling short in the playoffs despite a talented roster. With the 2025 NFL season on the horizon, the Cowboys’ front office made the decision to hire a new offensive coordinator in hopes of elevating their offensive output and finally breaking through to reach the Super Bowl.

In this article, we will delve into the impact of the Cowboys’ new offensive coordinator hire, explore the details of the veteran player’s situation, and discuss how the decision could lead to the veteran being phased out of the Cowboys’ plans.

The Dallas Cowboys’ Search for an Offensive Coordinator

The Cowboys’ decision to make a change at offensive coordinator came after a series of disappointing playoff performances in recent years. While the team’s offensive personnel has often been considered one of the league’s most talented, their offensive schemes, especially during critical moments, have been under scrutiny. Kellen Moore, the previous offensive coordinator, had a mixed record, leading to inconsistent results. While Moore helped the Cowboys to a top-ranked offense during the regular season, his schemes often lacked the adaptability needed in high-stakes playoff situations. As a result, the Cowboys’ offense appeared to stagnate in the postseason, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the team’s potential.

With this in mind, the Cowboys’ front office decided to part ways with Kellen Moore and bring in someone with fresh ideas and a new offensive philosophy. Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys’ head coach, took it upon himself to revamp the offense and hire a coordinator who could take the team to the next level. After a thorough search, the Cowboys made their selection, bringing in Joe Brady, a former offensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers and an up-and-coming coaching mind known for his work with young quarterbacks and offensive schemes.

Brady’s hire is seen as an attempt to modernize the Cowboys’ offensive attack. Known for his creativity, adaptability, and ability to maximize the strengths of his players, Brady has the potential to unlock new levels of production for the Cowboys’ offense. Brady has already proven himself in the NFL, with success as the passing game coordinator for the LSU Tigers during their 2019 National Championship run and later as the offensive coordinator in Carolina. The Cowboys hope that his innovative mindset will help bring balance to their offense, blending the run game with the passing attack and creating more explosive plays.

However, for all the excitement that Brady’s hiring brings, there are inevitably players on the roster who will be impacted. While some may flourish under Brady’s schemes, others could see their roles diminished, and in one specific case, this new hire could seal the fate of a veteran player who might no longer fit into the Cowboys’ long-term plans.

The Veteran Player in Question: Ezekiel Elliott

One of the most significant impacts of the hiring of Joe Brady as offensive coordinator could be felt by Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys’ star running back who has been the face of the franchise’s offense for much of the last half-decade. Elliott, drafted by the Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft with the fourth overall pick, quickly became one of the league’s most dynamic running backs. He set the NFL on fire during his early years, leading the league in rushing yards twice and earning a reputation as one of the toughest, most physical backs in the game.

However, Elliott’s play has noticeably declined in recent seasons. The explosive runs that once defined his game have become less frequent, and injuries have started to take their toll on his ability to carry the load as he once did. In the 2024 season, Elliott’s performance was certainly solid, but it lacked the dominance that fans had come to expect from him earlier in his career. His yards per carry had diminished, and while he still contributed in the passing game, Elliott’s role in the offense was being increasingly overshadowed by Tony Pollard, the Cowboys’ younger, more explosive running back.

Pollard, who took over as the primary ball carrier during Elliott’s occasional injury stints, showcased his ability to be a three-down back in 2024. His vision, speed, and pass-catching ability made him a more versatile and dynamic option for the Cowboys’ offense, earning him the starting role. Pollard’s rise as a legitimate lead back in the NFL has undoubtedly changed the dynamics of the Cowboys’ offense, and with the arrival of Joe Brady as offensive coordinator, the writing seems to be on the wall for Elliott.

Brady’s offensive schemes, which emphasize quick tempo, motion, and more creative use of the passing game, seem better suited for Pollard’s skill set. While Elliott has been a fantastic player throughout his career, his style of play, which is centered around power runs and physicality, might not fit into Brady’s faster, more fluid offensive style. This shift in philosophy could make Elliott a square peg in a round hole, leaving him as a potential odd man out in the offense.

How Joe Brady’s Offensive Philosophy Affects Elliott

One of the key reasons why Elliott’s future with the Cowboys could be in jeopardy with Brady at the helm is Brady’s preference for using a more dynamic running back that can contribute not only in traditional running plays but also as a pass-catcher. Elliott’s success as a receiver out of the backfield has never been as prolific as other backs in the league, and as the NFL continues to evolve into a pass-first league, running backs who can thrive in the air are becoming increasingly important.

Brady’s offensive scheme in Carolina relied heavily on utilizing running backs in the passing game, especially in space. Christian McCaffrey, for example, was a focal point in Brady’s system, serving as a dual-threat running back who could line up in various positions and be involved in every phase of the offense. Tony Pollard, with his pass-catching abilities, could be the perfect fit for Brady’s offense, as he has the versatility to line up in the slot, run routes from the backfield, and create mismatches in the passing game.

In contrast, Elliott’s pass-catching abilities, while respectable, have not been on the same level as players like McCaffrey or Pollard. His skill set is more suited to between-the-tackles running, and his physical, bruising style doesn’t align as well with Brady’s fast-paced, spread-out offensive vision. While Elliott is still a talented running back, his ability to fit into the new system may be limited, especially with the emphasis on a multi-dimensional back like Pollard.

This shift could lead to Elliott’s role being minimized, and in the worst-case scenario, he could become expendable. With his massive contract, the Cowboys could opt to release Elliott to free up cap space, especially given that Pollard is already on a more favorable contract. Elliott’s cap hit is significant, and with the team needing to allocate resources to other positions, moving on from the veteran could be an easy decision for the front office.

Elliott’s Legacy and Potential Departure

Ezekiel Elliott has been a key figure in the Cowboys’ offense for nearly a decade. His physical style of running and ability to break tackles made him a fan favorite, and his early years in the league were nothing short of stellar. However, as his performance has declined, it has become clear that the Cowboys’ offense needs to evolve, and that evolution may not include Elliott in a significant role moving forward.

Elliott’s departure would be a bittersweet moment for Cowboys fans, as he was once the face of the franchise and an integral part of the team’s offensive identity. However, the NFL is a business, and with a new offensive philosophy in place, the Cowboys must make tough decisions to stay competitive. In an ideal world, Elliott could transition into a reduced role, contributing in short-yardage situations and as a veteran presence in the locker room. However, with the arrival of a new offensive coordinator and the rise of Pollard, it seems likely that Elliott will no longer be the focal point of the Cowboys’ offense.

If the Cowboys do decide to part ways with Elliott, they would likely look to move forward with Tony Pollard as the lead back, complemented by a younger, more versatile back in the draft or free agency. Pollard’s ability to contribute both in the running and passing game makes him a perfect fit for Brady’s offense, and the Cowboys’ future at the position looks bright with him at the helm.