Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams to be next Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL coaching landscape, the Dallas Cowboys have reportedly hired Klayton Adams, the offensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals, as their new offensive coordinator. This bold and unexpected decision brings a fresh approach to the Cowboys’ offense, one that will likely have significant implications for both the development of their offensive line and their entire offensive scheme.

With head coach Mike McCarthy already overseeing the team’s offensive direction, the decision to bring in Adams signals a shift in the way the Cowboys intend to approach their offensive strategy. Rather than bringing in a traditional offensive coordinator with a background as a playcaller or quarterback coach, McCarthy and the Cowboys’ front office have opted to double down on the importance of the offensive line as the backbone of their attack. By promoting Adams to this key role, the Cowboys are signaling their belief that a dominant offensive line can unlock the full potential of their offensive personnel.

In this article, we will explore the hiring of Klayton Adams, his background, the reasons behind the Cowboys’ decision to bring him in, and what impact he will likely have on the team’s offensive strategy moving forward. This move represents a bold gamble for the Cowboys, but one that could pay off significantly if Adams’ methods and philosophy align with the team’s long-term goals.

Klayton Adams: From Offensive Line Coach to Offensive Coordinator

Klayton Adams has spent much of his coaching career focusing on one of the most important and often underappreciated positions in football: the offensive line. A product of University of Idaho, where he played college football as a center, Adams developed a deep understanding of the offensive line’s pivotal role in any offensive scheme. His journey as a coach began in the college ranks, where he worked as an offensive line coach for multiple programs, including stints at Boise State, Western Kentucky, and Louisville.

Adams’ ability to develop offensive linemen into elite players quickly caught the attention of NFL scouts and organizations, leading to his eventual hire as the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line coach. During his time in Arizona, Adams’ offensive line showed dramatic improvements, both in run-blocking and pass protection. Under his guidance, the Cardinals saw their offensive line become one of the most consistently effective in the league, particularly in terms of creating running lanes for Kyler Murray and giving him enough time to make plays in the pocket. The Cardinals’ offense flourished as they became more balanced, with an efficient run game complemented by effective pass protection.

What sets Adams apart from other coaches is his ability to see the broader picture. While many offensive line coaches focus solely on technique and physicality, Adams has always maintained that the offensive line must be viewed as a unit working in harmony with the rest of the offense. For him, success starts with the offensive line, and that philosophy aligns perfectly with what the Cowboys need: a stronger foundation that can elevate the play of the entire offense.

While Adams is widely regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in the NFL, his ability to step into a higher-profile role like offensive coordinator represents a natural progression in his career. His approach to coaching the offensive line has always been innovative, and his success in Arizona made him an attractive candidate for the Cowboys’ vacancy.

Why the Cowboys Chose Klayton Adams

The decision to hire Klayton Adams as the next offensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys is a fascinating one, especially considering that many expected the Cowboys to target someone with a more traditional offensive coordinator background. However, McCarthy and the Cowboys’ front office seem to believe that building a dominant offensive line should be the priority—especially with the current roster of skilled skill players at their disposal.

A Commitment to the Offensive Line

One of the most significant reasons for the Cowboys’ hiring of Adams is the team’s need to solidify their offensive line. In recent years, the Cowboys have often been touted for having one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. However, in 2024, the unit experienced some struggles with consistency and injuries, which impacted the team’s overall offensive performance. The running game, in particular, suffered from a lack of cohesion upfront, and quarterback Dak Prescott was under duress more than expected.

The Cowboys have one of the most talented and dynamic backfields in the NFL, with Tony Pollard leading the way as the team’s starting running back. However, no running back, regardless of talent, can succeed without a formidable offensive line paving the way. By hiring Klayton Adams, McCarthy is prioritizing the improvement of the offensive line, believing that a stronger offensive front will lead to better outcomes for both the run and pass game.

Adams is known for his ability to make his offensive line players better, ensuring they have the tools and understanding to dominate at the point of attack. Given the Cowboys’ emphasis on creating a balanced offense and improving their offensive line play, Adams’ track record as a developer of talent and his deep understanding of offensive line play make him an ideal choice to turn things around in Dallas.

Enhancing Dak Prescott’s Protection

Another major factor that likely played into the Cowboys’ decision is the need to better protect Dak Prescott, who has faced his fair share of pressure and hits over the past few seasons. Prescott, while highly skilled and a consistent leader, has had to overcome shaky protection from his offensive line, particularly in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s avoiding defenders in the pocket or creating opportunities for the passing game, Prescott’s success depends heavily on how well the offensive line performs.

Adams’ hire indicates that the Cowboys want to make sure Prescott is operating behind a line that can give him the time and security he needs to excel. With the right protection, Prescott can be an elite quarterback, and Adams will play a critical role in ensuring that the line is well-prepared to handle top-tier defenses week in and week out. With Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and Terrence Steele on the roster, the Cowboys already possess elite talent upfront, but Adams’ coaching expertise will take their individual and collective play to the next level.

Optimizing the Run Game with Tony Pollard

With Ezekiel Elliott likely out of the picture in 2025 and Tony Pollard taking over as the team’s primary ball carrier, Adams will also be tasked with ensuring the Cowboys’ running game remains potent. Pollard’s explosiveness, vision, and versatility make him a perfect fit for a zone-blocking scheme, and Adams will have the opportunity to maximize Pollard’s skill set.

By building a more cohesive offensive line that can consistently create lanes for Pollard, the Cowboys could see their ground game rise to another level, helping to keep opposing defenses off balance and opening up opportunities in the passing game for CeeDee Lamb and other receiving targets. Pollard’s ability to change directions, make defenders miss, and break off long runs will be critical to the Cowboys’ offensive success moving forward, and it all starts with the offensive line’s ability to execute.

What This Means for the Cowboys Offense

With Adams in place as the offensive coordinator, the Cowboys’ offensive identity will undoubtedly undergo a shift. Here are a few key areas where the team could see significant changes:

A Focus on Balanced Play Calling

Adams’ expertise in offensive line play suggests that the Cowboys will likely embrace a more balanced offensive attack. While McCarthy is known for his aerial assault, the emphasis on building a dominant offensive line and creating strong run-blocking schemes will lead to a more diversified offense. By mixing in more run plays with timely pass plays, Adams will help the Cowboys establish a rhythm on offense and avoid being one-dimensional.

A balanced offense will take pressure off Prescott, allowing him to be more effective in play-action scenarios and giving him better options on third down. With Pollard, Rico Dowdle, and potentially a new backfield addition, the Cowboys could become more unpredictable in their offensive approach.

Development of Younger Offensive Linemen

In addition to improving the current starting unit, Adams will also focus on developing the Cowboys’ younger offensive linemen. Tyler Smith, who has shown flashes of promise since being drafted, will benefit greatly from Adams’ coaching and attention to detail. Smith has the physical tools to become a dominant offensive tackle, and Adams’ expertise will ensure that he reaches his full potential. Other younger linemen, such as Matt Farniok and Asim Richards, will also see significant improvement under Adams’ guidance.

By strengthening the depth of the offensive line, Adams ensures that the Cowboys will be able to sustain their level of play even when injuries inevitably occur. His emphasis on creating a deep, talented offensive line unit will help the Cowboys stay competitive throughout the season.

Continued Growth of the Play-Action Game

With the Cowboys’ commitment to establishing a strong running game, Adams’ coaching will likely result in a more effective play-action passing attack. Play-action has been one of Prescott’s strengths, and with a solid offensive line in front of him, the Cowboys will be able to open up more downfield opportunities for receivers like CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Brandin Cooks.

The threat of a potent ground game will give Prescott more time to execute deep passes, and his connection with the receivers will improve as a result. The overall balance and efficiency of the offense will make the Cowboys a more dangerous team in 2025.