FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have finalized a multiyear contract extension for Will McClay, their vice president of player personnel. McClay has been instrumental in guiding the organization’s draft strategies since 2014.
The announcement of McClay’s extension came on the heels of the Cowboys unveiling new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who takes over the role previously held by Mike McCarthy. Additionally, Matt Eberflus has been appointed as the defensive coordinator, with Nick Sorensen taking on the role of special teams coordinator.
Furthermore, the Cowboys have made further changes to their coaching staff by adding three assistants: Dave Borgonzi as the linebackers coach, Aaron Whitecotton as the defensive line coach, and Andre Curtis as the defensive passing game coordinator.
McClay has garnered attention for his draft success, which features 15 players who have achieved at least one Pro Bowl selection. This track record has prompted several other teams to express interest in interviewing him for their general manager vacancies over the years. Despite these opportunities, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who has held the GM title since acquiring the team in 1989, has noted that McClay has repeatedly shown no desire to leave the franchise with such a rich history.
At 58 years old, McClay joined the Cowboys in 2002 as a scout while also serving on the coaching staff for the Dallas Desperados in the Arena Football League, where he later served as the head coach for five seasons. His role grew as he was promoted to vice president of player personnel in 2017.
Notable players selected during McClay’s leadership in the draft include six-time All-Pro right guard Zack Martin, two-time All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, and standout receiver CeeDee Lamb, each of whom was a first-round selection. Additionally, franchise quarterback Dak Prescott was a notable fourth-round pick in 2016.
Borgonzi and Curtis bring continuity to the coaching staff, having previously worked under Eberflus in Chicago, where he was let go 12 games into his third season. This marks Eberflus’s second tenure with the Cowboys, while Whitecotton has recently served as the defensive line coach for the New York Jets.
