Amidst the ongoing coaching overhaul under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Dallas Cowboys still have one key vacancy to fill: offensive coordinator.
Schottenheimer, who was promoted from OC earlier this month, has yet to name his replacement. As of Thursday, the list of candidates appeared limited to Falcons tight ends coach Kevin Kolger and Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams.
However, another name has emerged in the discussion—one that could generate stronger reactions than the other two.
Cowboys Considering Ken Dorsey for OC Role
According to Jeremy Fowler, former Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey is a serious candidate for the Cowboys’ vacant OC position.
Dorsey was once regarded as one of the NFL’s brightest young coaching minds. He took over Buffalo’s offense following Brian Daboll’s departure, leading the Bills to the No. 2 offense in the league in 2022. However, the team’s struggles in 2023 led to his midseason dismissal after a 5-5 start.
His most recent stint in Cleveland wasn’t much better, as the Browns ranked 28th in total yards and last (32nd) in scoring during the 2024 season. While some of that can be attributed to Deshaun Watson’s decline, and there were both promising and concerning moments from backup Jameis Winston, Cowboys fans may have reason to be skeptical of this potential hire.
Would Dorsey Be the Right Fit for Dallas?
One factor that could ease concerns is Schottenheimer’s decision to retain play-calling duties next season.
While Dorsey’s track record has been inconsistent, he does bring experience and familiarity with running an offense. For a first-time head coach like Schottenheimer, having a seasoned OC could provide valuable support. Pairing Dorsey with newly hired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus would give Dallas a duo with significant experience on both sides of the ball—potentially a stabilizing presence as the team navigates the regular season and, hopefully, the playoffs.
Nothing is set in stone yet, and Fowler’s report remains just one piece of speculation. Schottenheimer may ultimately prefer a lesser-known candidate who aligns more closely with his vision for the offense. However, with only two other names linked to the job so far, there’s reason to believe Dorsey could be a legitimate contender.
