How Will McClay, the Vice President of Player Personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, Assisted in Hiring Brian Schottenheimer
The Dallas Cowboys have been active in making moves to enhance their coaching staff, and one of their most notable hires in recent months has been bringing Brian Schottenheimer onboard as the team’s offensive coordinator. While head coach Mike McCarthy is often the face of coaching decisions, much of the behind-the-scenes work falls to the Cowboys’ vice president of player personnel, Will McClay. McClay, who has long been a key figure in Dallas’ front office, played a significant role in assisting with Schottenheimer’s hiring.
Will McClay’s Influence in the Cowboys Organization
Will McClay is well-regarded across the NFL for his extensive experience in player evaluation and personnel decisions. As the vice president of player personnel, McClay oversees the Cowboys’ scouting department and helps shape the roster. His role is not limited to just acquiring players; McClay is also instrumental in supporting the coaching staff, especially when it comes to hiring key assistants and coordinating between the front office and coaching team.
McClay’s keen eye for talent and deep understanding of football have made him a trusted figure in the Cowboys’ decision-making process. While head coach Mike McCarthy ultimately makes final calls on coaching hires, McClay has an outsized influence, providing invaluable insight based on his thorough understanding of the roster and team needs.
The Hiring of Brian Schottenheimer
When it came time to fill the offensive coordinator position after Kellen Moore’s departure to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Cowboys sought a coach who could continue to develop their high-powered offense while bringing new ideas to the table. This led them to Brian Schottenheimer, a coach with a wealth of experience in the NFL, having worked with teams like the St. Louis Rams, New York Jets, and most recently, the Seattle Seahawks. Schottenheimer has developed a reputation for his ability to work with quarterbacks and running backs, as well as his overall offensive acumen.
Will McClay’s role in this hiring process was critical in evaluating Schottenheimer’s fit with the Cowboys’ system. McClay, who has an in-depth knowledge of the Cowboys’ roster, understood the strengths and weaknesses of the team’s offense. His perspective helped ensure that Schottenheimer’s approach and philosophy aligned with the team’s goals. Schottenheimer’s expertise with quarterbacks and offensive schemes was particularly appealing, given the Cowboys’ focus on Dak Prescott’s development and the need to maintain an explosive offense.
A Strategic Fit for the Cowboys
One of McClay’s key contributions in the process was his understanding of what the Cowboys needed from a new offensive coordinator. With Prescott at quarterback and a talented group of skill players, McClay knew the team’s offense required a coordinator who could effectively balance a dynamic passing game with a strong running attack.
McClay, who has built relationships with several potential candidates over the years, was instrumental in identifying Schottenheimer as the right fit. His familiarity with Schottenheimer’s coaching history and ability to assess coaching styles meant McClay could offer critical feedback during the interview process. Ultimately, the Cowboys felt that Schottenheimer’s approach would mesh well with McCarthy’s system while also giving the offense a fresh perspective.
Schottenheimer’s Experience and What He Brings to the Cowboys
Brian Schottenheimer’s hire brings both experience and innovation to the Cowboys’ offense. Known for his adaptability, Schottenheimer has worked under multiple offensive philosophies and has found success in various systems. His experience coaching quarterbacks and offensive lines was seen as particularly valuable for the Cowboys, as they looked to continue developing Prescott while keeping the offense balanced.
Schottenheimer’s background as a quarterbacks coach makes him an ideal candidate for a team like the Cowboys, where Dak Prescott is expected to lead the offense. Schottenheimer worked with some high-profile quarterbacks, including Mark Sanchez and Russell Wilson, and has been praised for his ability to develop and maximize a quarterback’s talents. For McClay, this background was a key factor in helping evaluate Schottenheimer’s potential fit with the Cowboys.
The Importance of McClay’s Role
While head coach Mike McCarthy holds the final decision-making authority when it comes to hiring staff, Will McClay’s role in assisting with the hiring of Schottenheimer highlights the importance of collaboration within the Cowboys’ front office. McClay’s deep understanding of personnel, combined with his knowledge of McCarthy’s coaching preferences, allowed him to play an instrumental role in ensuring the Cowboys made a hire that would complement their existing roster and offensive needs.
Moreover, McClay’s presence in the hiring process shows the integral role he plays in shaping not only the roster but also the coaching staff, creating a seamless synergy between the front office and the coaching team. This kind of collaboration is essential for success, and McClay’s ability to assist in finding the right coach further cements his importance in the Cowboys’ decision-making processes.
Looking Ahead: How McClay and Schottenheimer Will Shape the Cowboys’ Future
With Brian Schottenheimer now at the helm of the Cowboys’ offense, the team will look to build on its strong roster and take the next step toward championship contention. McClay’s influence, both in assembling the roster and in assisting with Schottenheimer’s hire, ensures that the Cowboys have the right pieces in place to succeed. As the 2025 season progresses, McClay’s leadership in personnel decisions will continue to be a key factor in shaping the team’s future.
McClay and Schottenheimer’s collaboration could prove to be a defining aspect of the Cowboys’ offensive strategy moving forward. By working together to create a well-rounded offense that plays to the strengths of Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ skill players, the team is positioning itself for success in the years to come.