In Order to Improve Their Rushing Assault for 2025, the Dallas Cowboys Are Concentrating on a Possible New Running Backs Coach Candidate
As the 2025 NFL season rapidly approaches, the Dallas Cowboys, long known for their storied history and championship pedigree, are taking proactive steps to enhance every aspect of their game. A team with Super Bowl aspirations must always look for ways to optimize its roster, coaching staff, and overall systems. While the Cowboys have solidified many aspects of their game, there’s one area that has been a point of frustration in recent seasons—running the ball. The team is looking to improve its rushing assault by focusing on the potential hire of a new running backs coach. This move could be the key to unlocking the full potential of their offense in 2025.
The Cowboys have experienced a mix of success and inconsistency in their rushing attack in recent years. Despite having some talented running backs, including standout player Tony Pollard, the team has struggled to establish a consistent ground game. The decision to bring in a fresh perspective at the running backs coaching position signals that the franchise recognizes the need for change in order to compete at the highest level.
The Importance of a Strong Rushing Attack
The NFL is a pass-heavy league, but a strong rushing attack can still be the key to controlling the clock, dictating the tempo of games, and wearing down opposing defenses. For the Dallas Cowboys, improving their rushing offense isn’t just about gaining yardage on the ground, it’s about providing balance to their offense and giving quarterback Dak Prescott more opportunities to succeed in the passing game. With Prescott often facing pressure in the pocket, having a potent ground game to lean on could give him more breathing room and keep defenses guessing.
A strong rushing game can also provide the Cowboys with flexibility in the play-calling department. It can open up play-action opportunities, force the defense to play closer to the line of scrimmage, and set up favorable third-down situations. In short, establishing the run is essential for maintaining an offense that can be both dynamic and unpredictable.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Are Seeking Change
Despite having an impressive collection of skill players over the years, the Cowboys have had to endure periods of inconsistency with their rushing attack. In 2024, for example, Dallas finished 21st in the league in total rushing yards per game, with 105.3 yards per contest. While Tony Pollard had an admirable season, gaining 1,107 yards, the Cowboys as a team were far from dominant on the ground.
One of the key issues has been the inability to consistently block for the running back group. While the offensive line has been solid over the years, it has not been as dominant as it once was. Injuries, age, and underperformance from certain players have all factored into the inconsistencies in the rushing attack. On the flip side, the running backs have often failed to create extra yardage after contact, making it difficult for the offense to establish any rhythm on the ground.
The Cowboys also need to diversify their rushing attack. They’ve leaned heavily on outside zone running concepts and Pollard’s speed, but they haven’t developed a truly multi-dimensional ground game. With teams around the NFL finding success with more creative running schemes, it’s clear that the Cowboys need to expand their offensive playbook to include more diversity in their rushing plays. A new running backs coach could be instrumental in helping the team find new ways to run the football and maximizing the skill sets of their players.
The Current Coaching Situation
In 2024, the Dallas Cowboys had running backs coach Skip Peete overseeing the running back room. While Peete has an extensive coaching resume, his tenure with the Cowboys has been marked by a lack of improvement in certain areas. Over the course of his time with the Cowboys, the running backs have had moments of success, but they have not been able to sustain that success throughout an entire season. It’s evident that the Cowboys’ brass feels a change may be needed to take their rushing game to the next level.
The decision to potentially move on from Peete is not necessarily a reflection of his overall coaching abilities, but rather a sign that the Cowboys are trying to find the right coach who can ignite a new level of success in the backfield. As one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, Dallas understands the value of making bold moves to keep up with the evolving game. A fresh face in the running backs coach role could bring a much-needed spark to the offense.
The Search for a New Running Backs Coach
With the understanding that their rushing attack needs significant improvement, the Cowboys have embarked on a search for a new running backs coach who can bring a new approach to the team’s offensive schemes. There are several key qualities that the Cowboys are likely looking for in a new coach:
- Innovative Approach to the Running Game: The Cowboys need someone who can think outside the box and create new ways for the team to generate rushing yards. They need a coach who is adaptable and willing to implement different schemes based on the opponent and the strengths of the personnel. A candidate with a strong understanding of modern NFL running concepts, such as zone runs, gap schemes, and creative motions, would be ideal.
- Ability to Develop Talent: Tony Pollard, while having an impressive skill set, still has untapped potential. The same can be said for some of the other running backs on the roster. The Cowboys need a coach who can take their talent and maximize it. Developing young players and finding ways to get the most out of every member of the running back room will be key.
- A Strong Relationship with the Offensive Line: A running back’s success is directly tied to the play of the offensive line. A coach with the ability to work well with the offensive line coach, creating a cohesive unit, will be crucial in building a productive running game. The running backs coach needs to understand how to make adjustments to their schemes based on how the offensive line is performing on a given day.
- Experience in Building a Successful Rushing Attack: While experience is important, it’s also crucial that the candidate has a proven track record of success in developing strong rushing attacks. This could include experience with teams that have had top-tier rushing offenses or a history of maximizing the talents of running backs. Candidates who have been successful in this area in either coaching or playing should be prioritized.
Potential Candidates for the Job
As of now, the Cowboys have not named a specific candidate for the running backs coach position, but there are several possibilities that have surfaced. Here are a few potential candidates who could fit the criteria for what the Cowboys need in 2025:
- Anthony Lynn: The former NFL head coach and running backs coach is well-versed in developing a strong running game. Lynn was a key figure in the success of the Los Angeles Chargers’ rushing attack during his time there. His experience and background in running backs development make him a strong candidate for the role. Lynn could bring the creativity and versatility needed to improve Dallas’s rushing assault.
- Randy Jordan: Jordan is currently serving as the running backs coach for the Washington Commanders, but his familiarity with NFC East teams could make him an attractive candidate. He has coached several productive backs in his career, including the Commanders’ Antonio Gibson. Jordan’s ability to develop versatile backs could be beneficial for the Cowboys, particularly given Pollard’s speed and elusiveness.
- Eric Studesville: Studesville is an experienced running backs coach who has worked with the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and Buffalo Bills. He is well-regarded for his ability to coach up running backs and tailor his strategies to each individual’s strengths. Studesville could be a strong fit for the Cowboys, given his extensive history working with a variety of running back types.
- Kevin Stefanski (if available): If the Cleveland Browns were to part ways with Stefanski, he could be a surprising option. Stefanski’s background in the running game, particularly with Nick Chubb in Cleveland, makes him an intriguing possibility for the Cowboys. While he is currently a head coach, a shift to a position like running backs coach could rejuvenate the Cowboys’ rushing attack.
Why a New Running Backs Coach Is the Key to Success in 2025
The decision to focus on a new running backs coach for the 2025 season is a strategic move by the Dallas Cowboys that could have long-lasting effects on the offense. A revitalized rushing attack is necessary to take the pressure off Dak Prescott and diversify the offense’s game plan. With the right leadership in the running back room, the Cowboys could see exponential growth in both their rushing game and overall offensive efficiency.
The timing of this potential change is critical. The Cowboys find themselves in a highly competitive NFC East, with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders continuing to improve. The Dallas offense will need to find new ways to outpace their rivals, and a more dynamic, successful rushing attack could be the answer.
Ultimately, the Cowboys’ future rushing success lies in their ability to make the right hire and fully commit to building a rushing game that can consistently move the ball down the field. With the right coach and the right approach, the Cowboys could find themselves with one of the league’s most potent rushing offenses in 2025, which could elevate their Super Bowl aspirations and set them on a path toward the franchise’s next great chapter.