The Dallas Cowboys have quietly gone about their business since their Friday night news dump to announce Brian Schottenheimer as head coach.
Jerry and Stephen Jones predictably made a fool of themselves at Schottenheimer's introductory press conference, but they've done an excellent job filling out the team's coaching staff this week. They also deserve credit for inking VP of player personnel Will McClay to a five-year extension as his contract was set to expire in May.
As far as the coaching staff, Matt Eberflus is the best-possible hire Dallas could have made at defensive coordinator. Eberflus brought over Dave Borgonzi and Andre Curtis from his Bears staff. Borgonzi will serve as linebackers coach and Curtis will coordinate the defensive passing game.
Lunda Wells is also back for a fifth season tight ends coach after reportedly taking a visit with the Bears this week. Wells inked a multi-year extension on Thursday.
All those hires can be regarded as really strong moves and the latest buzz hints the Cowboys are closing in on another for their vacant offensive coordinator position.
Cowboys confirm second interview with Klayton Adams for offensive coordinator job
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Dallas is bringing in Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams for an in-person interview at The Star on Friday. Adams already had a virtual interview with the Cowboys and is considered the favorite for the offensive coordinator job.
This backs up the notion that Dallas wants a de facto run-game coordinator who will improve blocking schemes for their OC position. Even though Rico Dowdle finished with more than 1,000 rushing yards, the team lacked in both departments last season.
Adams is an innovative run-game designer who uses a variety of concepts to keep opposing defenses on their toes. Per Mauricio Rodriguez of A to Z Sports Dallas, Arizona ran the second-most counter attempts in football last season. The Cowboys ranked 30th.
That's not to say counter is the secret formula behind a good run game, but it backs the notion that Schottenheimer wants to steal concepts and ideologies from offenses that work. That would be a refreshing change of pace to Mike McCarthy's outdated offense.
Adams can also scheme up pass protections with the best of them. Kyler Murray is one of the toughest quarterbacks to block for and Arizona was still elite in pass pro. With Dak Prescott's mobility on the decline, it stands to reason Adams would have an easier time designing blocking schemes in Dallas.
Here's to hoping the Cowboys get this over the finish line on Friday. They should not let Adams out of the building without an agreement in place.
