Cowboys hire Cardinals’ Klayton Adams as offensive coordinator

Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams walks on the sideline before the game against the Washington Commander at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys are bringing on Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams as their new offensive coordinator, multiple reports confirmed Friday.

Adams will take over from Brian Schottenheimer, who was promoted to head coach earlier this month after the Cowboys parted ways with Mike McCarthy following the season.

Adams’ hiring signals an increased focus on improving the running game in Dallas for the upcoming season. At 41, Adams spent the last two seasons with the Cardinals and previously worked with the Indianapolis Colts for four years as an assistant offensive line coach (2019-20) and tight ends coach (2021-22).

During Adams’ tenure, the Cardinals ranked seventh in the NFL in rushing yards (144.2 yards per game) in 2024 and 11th in total offense. In comparison, the Cowboys ranked 27th in rushing yards with 100.3 per game and had the fewest rushing touchdowns in the league with six.

One name often linked to the Cowboys in the draft is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who led the country with 2,601 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns last season, finishing second in Heisman voting.

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

While Adams will oversee the offense in 2025, Schottenheimer is expected to continue calling the plays, similar to last season when McCarthy took on that role.

Additionally, reports suggest the Cowboys will hire an offensive line coach under Adams. Mike Solari held that position for the past two seasons. With nine-time Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin likely to be a free agent, the Cowboys’ offensive line could see changes in 2025.

Other coaches reportedly under consideration for the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator position include Detroit Lions assistant head coach/running backs coach Scottie Montgomery, former Cleveland Browns OC Ken Dorsey, and Atlanta Falcons tight ends coach Kevin Koger.