Cowboys hire Cards OL coach Klayton Adams as OC

Field Level Media|published: Sat 1st February, 10:07 2025

Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams speaks with the media as he is introduced as a new hire with fellow coaches at the Cardinals facility in Tempe on March 8, 2023. Nfl Cardinals Offensive Assistant Coaches Introduction

The Dallas Cowboys hired Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams as their new offensive coordinator, the team announced on Saturday morning.

He replaces Brian Schottenheimer, who last month was promoted to head coach after the Cowboys parted ways with Mike McCarthy following the season.

Welcome to Dallas, Coach Adams! ??#DallasCowboys | ???: https://t.co/qLEN8e5Mfm pic.twitter.com/QHHgDaXWvA
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) February 1, 2025

The hiring of Adams would seem to indicate an increased focus on the running game in Dallas for next season. Adams, 41, worked the past two seasons for the Cardinals after spending four years with the Indianapolis Colts as an assistant offensive line coach (2019-20) and tight ends coach (2021-22).

Under Adams, the Cardinals ranked seventh in the league in 2024 in rushing yards (144.2 per game) and 11th in total offense. The Cowboys, meanwhile, ranked 27th on the ground at 100.3 ypg and had the fewest rushing touchdowns in the NFL with six.

One of the names most frequently connected to the Cowboys when it comes to the NFL draft in April is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who led the nation with 2,601 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns last season while finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Dallas has the 12th pick in the first round after finishing 7-10 in 2024.

While Adams would be in charge of the offense in 2025, Schottenheimer is expected to call the plays. That matches what the team did last season, as McCarthy served as the play-caller.

Also, according to reports, the Cowboys are expected to hire an offensive line coach under Adams. Mike Solari held the role for the past two seasons. With nine-time Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin set to be a free agent, Dallas' offensive line could be in store for a shakeup in 2025.

Among other coaches reportedly under consideration for the Cowboys' OC opening were Detroit Lions assistant head coach/running backs coach Scottie Montgomery, former Cleveland Browns OC Ken Dorsey, and Atlanta Falcons tight ends coach Kevin Koger.

--Field Level Media

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