Cowboys Make Big Move After Polarizing Brian Schottenheimer Hiring

What really won over fans was when Schottenheimer outlined his vision for the offense. He plans to break away from Mike McCarthy’s outdated scheme by introducing more motion, shifts, and using the run to set up play-action.

While Schottenheimer now has to implement his plan, his press conference helped ease the fanbase’s skepticism. Much of the initial negativity was directed at the Joneses.

Despite Schottenheimer’s successful introduction, the Cowboys are still in a tough spot as a franchise, and their fans have been craving some good news.

That good news came on Wednesday in a major way.

Cowboys and VP of Player Personnel Will McClay Agree to Multi-Year Contract Extension

According to Patrik Walker of the team’s official website, the Cowboys have signed Will McClay, the vice president of player personnel, to a multi-year contract extension. McClay’s previous contract was set to expire in May after the 2025 NFL Draft.

That sigh of relief you hear is from Cowboys Nation.

Simply put, McClay is one of the NFL’s most valuable executives. He’s been leading the Cowboys’ personnel department since 2014 and has long deserved a general manager position of his own. Last offseason, the Panthers attempted to make McClay their GM, and the Commanders sought to hire him as head of football operations.

While the Cowboys managed to keep him, fans were concerned that the Joneses would let his contract expire and allow him to leave. That would have set the franchise back for years.

Since McClay took charge of the Cowboys’ scouting in 2014, he has found 15 Pro Bowlers and six All-Pros through the draft. The Cowboys’ first two picks under McClay’s leadership were future Hall of Famer Zack Martin and possible Ring of Honor inductee DeMarcus Lawrence.

McClay has excelled with first-round picks such as Martin, Lawrence, Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, Ezekiel Elliott, Tyler Smith, and Travis Frederick, but he’s also uncovered gems in later rounds, including Dak Prescott, Jourdan Lewis, DaRon Bland, DeMarvion Overshown, and Osa Odighizuwa.

It’s hard to overstate McClay’s importance to the Cowboys’ success. Even though Jerry Jones holds the general manager title, McClay has been the driving force behind the team’s roster building.

While the future of Brian Schottenheimer’s tenure remains uncertain, McClay’s continued leadership in the front office gives Schottenheimer the best chance to succeed as head coach.

A monumental day for the Cowboys.