Skip to main content
Join

Report: Cowboys interview Cardinals assistant Klayton Adams for offensive coordinator job

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•01/29/25•

NickSchultz_7

Arizona Cardinals OL coach Klayton Adams
© Brent Skeen-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator search took them out west. They interviewed Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams for the position on Brian Schottenheimer’s staff, Sports Illustrated’s Connor Orr reported.

Adams joined the Cardinals staff in 2023 after Jonathan Gannon took over for Kliff Kingsbury. He previously spent time with the Indianapolis Colts as assistant offensive line coach from 2019-20 and as tight ends coach from 2021-22 before heading to Arizona.

Adams previously held the title of offensive coordinator in 2018 when he split duties at Colorado while also working as the Buffaloes’ offensive line coach. After that season, the Colts hired him for his first NFL coaching opportunity.

Adams is the latest known target as Schottenheimer starts building out his staff in Dallas. The Cowboys also have a request in to interview Atlanta Falcons tight ends coach Kevin Koger for OC, although Schottenheimer plans to start calling plays.

Schottenheimer already has his defensive coordinator in Matt Eberflus, who spent the last three years as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. It’s a return to Arlington for Eberflus, who previously coached the Cowboys’ linebackers from 2011-17.

What Cowboys are looking for in next OC

As for what Dallas is looking for in its next offensive coordinator with that in mind, and team executive vice president Stephen Jones said the goal is to find someone who works well with Schottenheimer. The process, he said, is still ongoing.

“We’re working on that as we speak,” Jones said, per the Cowboys’ official website. “Certainly, we all know who the mastermind is of our offense is going to be, We’ve made that real clear, it’s Coach Schottenheimer, but he’s certainly going to find an OC that certainly compliments what he does.”

One thing that stands out about the offensive coordinator search is the desire to revamp the run game. Jones said that’s a key part of the plan, and Klayton Adams would surely fit that bill after working with the offensive line in Arizona.

“I think most of these guys always want to check the run game box,” Jones said. “Most of these guys are very, if you will, fluent when it comes to throwing the ball around the yard. But you always want a great offensive line coach, a great running game coordinator. And of course, the key this day and time is to marry that run game to the pass game.”