Dallas Cowboys Eyeing Current College Powerhouse RB Coaches for Assistant Roles: What It Means for the Team’s Future
The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most high-profile franchises in the NFL, are always at the center of attention when it comes to player acquisitions, coaching decisions, and roster moves. As one of the wealthiest and most successful organizations in the league, they consistently generate media coverage, fan chatter, and, of course, speculation about the next big change. This time, the spotlight is on the team’s coaching staff, specifically the running back position, which is widely considered one of the most vital areas of the team’s success moving forward.
Reports have surfaced suggesting that the Cowboys are eyeing current college football powerhouse running backs (RB) coaches for assistant roles within their own organization. The news has sent ripples through the NFL and college football worlds, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what this could mean for the team’s future. Are the Cowboys seriously pursuing a significant overhaul in their coaching ranks, or is this simply a strategic move to bolster their already impressive staff?
To answer these questions, we need to take a closer look at why the Cowboys are focusing on college coaches for these roles, which names are being discussed, and what impact this could have on the team’s running game, roster decisions, and overall strategy.
The Cowboys’ Current Running Back Situation: Why Change Might Be Needed
The running back position has long been a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive strategy. In the franchise’s heyday, the likes of Emmitt Smith led the team to three Super Bowl titles in the 1990s, and the Cowboys have consistently featured high-level running back talent through the years. However, in recent seasons, the team’s running back situation has been in flux.
Tony Pollard has emerged as the team’s primary ball carrier, taking over after the departure of Ezekiel Elliott, who had been a staple in the Cowboys’ offense for years. While Pollard has shown flashes of brilliance, including impressive yardage numbers and big plays, there is an undeniable need for further development and depth behind him. The Cowboys have struggled at times to find a consistent second back to pair with Pollard, and there’s a clear need for improvement in terms of both depth and performance at the position.
Pollard’s explosiveness and ability to make defenders miss have been a major asset to the team, but the lack of a reliable backup has hurt the Cowboys in certain situations. Injuries to Pollard, as well as the inconsistency from other running backs like Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle, have kept the Cowboys from having a truly well-rounded and dynamic running game. This has been especially apparent in critical moments late in games or in situations where the running game could have been a more prominent feature of the offense.
With the running back position being a focal point for the Cowboys moving forward, it is no surprise that Jerry Jones and the front office would look to bolster the team’s coaching staff in this area. Bringing in fresh ideas from the college ranks, especially from programs known for their elite running back development, could be just the solution the Cowboys need to enhance their offensive game plan and solidify Pollard’s position as the centerpiece of the offense.
Why College RB Coaches?
In the ever-evolving world of football, both at the collegiate and professional levels, the emphasis on player development has never been more pronounced. NFL teams are increasingly looking to the college ranks to find fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to coaching. College football has become a breeding ground for new ideas, especially in areas such as player development, offensive scheming, and the integration of analytics into game planning.
When it comes to the running back position, college football has seen a resurgence in the development of elite ball carriers. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson have consistently produced top-tier running backs who make an immediate impact in the NFL. These programs have placed an emphasis on building strong running games, using a combination of speed, power, and agility to create multi-dimensional athletes who can excel at the next level.
For the Cowboys, focusing on college running back coaches makes a great deal of sense. By bringing in a coach who has had success developing young running backs in a highly competitive environment, the team can tap into the best practices and methodologies that have worked at the highest levels of college football. College coaches are often tasked with developing raw talent and turning them into polished players, and that’s exactly the type of mindset the Cowboys could use to refine Pollard and develop the team’s running back room.
Additionally, college coaches are often more familiar with the latest trends and techniques in terms of training and development. This is particularly relevant as the NFL continues to evolve, with more emphasis on speed, agility, and versatility from running backs, rather than the traditional “bell-cow” back model. By bringing in fresh blood with experience coaching some of the top running backs in the country, the Cowboys can ensure they are staying on the cutting edge of modern football strategy.
Who Are the College RB Coaches on the Cowboys’ Radar?
As with any significant hiring decision, speculation is running rampant regarding which college coaches the Cowboys might target for their assistant roles. Given the position’s importance and the Cowboys’ track record of making splashy moves, several names have been floated as potential candidates. These names represent the cream of the crop when it comes to coaching running backs in college football.
1. Thomas Brown (Georgia)
One name that immediately comes up in discussions about the Cowboys’ search for a college RB coach is Thomas Brown, the running backs coach at the University of Georgia. Brown has developed a reputation as one of the top RB coaches in the country, thanks to his work with Georgia’s stable of talented running backs. Under his tutelage, Georgia has produced some of the top running backs in the nation, including NFL stars like Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.
Brown has consistently been praised for his ability to develop not only raw athleticism but also the mental and technical aspects of playing running back. His emphasis on improving ball security, footwork, and vision has helped countless athletes succeed at the college level, and his approach could benefit the Cowboys’ current running backs immensely. As Georgia continues to dominate college football, Brown’s star has only risen, making him a prime candidate for an NFL assistant position.
2. Brian Hartline (Ohio State)
While Brian Hartline is better known for his work with wide receivers at Ohio State, his ability to develop all-around offensive players has made him a potential candidate for a variety of coaching roles. Hartline has played a key role in developing some of the best offensive talent in the country, and his ability to help players grow into elite athletes could extend to the running back position.
Hartline’s coaching approach, which focuses on developing speed, explosiveness, and technique, could be a good fit for the Cowboys as they seek to enhance their running game. His ability to work with a wide range of offensive players, including running backs, could make him a versatile asset to the coaching staff.
3. Lance Taylor (Louisville)
Lance Taylor has earned recognition for his work as the running backs coach at Louisville, where he has helped produce a number of talented and productive running backs. Known for his ability to develop dynamic runners who can contribute both as ball carriers and pass catchers, Taylor’s coaching style focuses on versatility, something the Cowboys could use in their offense.
Under Taylor’s watch, Louisville has produced several standout running backs, and his knack for maximizing the potential of his players could be beneficial to a Cowboys team looking to revitalize its running back corps. Taylor has a proven track record of success in college football, and his ability to mold running backs into well-rounded, multi-faceted players would serve the Cowboys well.
4. Mike Hart (Michigan)
Mike Hart, who has been a fixture in college football for years as the running backs coach at Michigan, is another name being linked to the Cowboys’ search. Hart, a former standout running back himself, has developed a deep understanding of the position, which he has passed on to his players at Michigan. His ability to develop high-IQ, disciplined running backs has been one of his signature traits.
Hart’s coaching philosophy emphasizes patience and vision in the backfield, skills that Pollard and his fellow running backs would benefit from. Hart’s expertise in creating well-rounded players who can contribute in all aspects of the game would align with the Cowboys’ need to build a more dynamic running game that can make an impact both on the ground and in the passing game.
What Does This Mean for the Cowboys’ Future?
The potential hiring of one of these college RB coaches could have far-reaching implications for the Cowboys’ future. First and foremost, it would signal that Jerry Jones and the front office are serious about improving their running game and ensuring that the offense is more balanced and dynamic moving forward. The Cowboys have relied heavily on quarterback Dak Prescott and the passing game in recent years, but a successful running game would add a new dimension to the offense and make them a more formidable team.
Additionally, bringing in a top-tier college RB coach would likely help with player development. A fresh perspective from someone who has developed elite talent in college could accelerate the growth of the Cowboys’ current running backs and help them reach their full potential. By adding depth to the running back position and maximizing the skills of their current players, the Cowboys could take their offense to the next level.
Ultimately, if the Cowboys are able to land one of these sought-after college RB coaches, it could be a sign that they are committed to winning championships in the near future. Given their overall talent, improving the running back situation could be the missing piece that propels the team toward another Super Bowl appearance.
Conclusion: Big Moves Ahead for the Cowboys
The Cowboys’ pursuit of current college powerhouse running backs coaches represents a strategic move that could significantly impact the team’s offensive future. With a potential coaching change on the horizon, the addition of an elite RB coach could help the Cowboys solidify their running game and build a more well-rounded offensive strategy. As always, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys are making waves in the NFL, and this move—if it comes to fruition—could be the start of an exciting new chapter for the franchise.
