Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Cowboys extend crucial piece in their front office

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated Jan 30, 2025 9:54 AM ET

After an uninspiring move to make Brian Schottenheimer the 10th head coach in Dallas Cowboys history, owner Jerry Jones made a big move to ensure that Will McClay, one of the best player personnel minds in football, stays in Dallas.

The head of Cowboys personnel since 2014 and a member of the organization since 2002, McClay has played a major role in drafting 15 Pro Bowl players and six first-team All-Pros.

He is also the highest-ranking member of the Cowboys front office outside of the Jones family. While he might not have the final say, his opinion holds a lot of weight in Dallas.

We have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with VP of Player Personnel, Will McClay ⭐️#DallasCowboys | : https://t.co/yXmNrBg0N2 pic.twitter.com/0ShLdvvD3U
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) January 29, 2025

In 2014, his first season in charge of the draft, McClay selected right guard Zack Martin in the first round and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence in the second round. Martin and Lawrence have been cornerstone players for Dallas, combining for 13 Pro Bowl appearances.

McClay was also able to secure both of the Cowboys' current superstars, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and defensive end Micah Parsons, with picks outside of the top 10.

He has also hit on numerous picks later in the draft, including quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Tony Pollard, center Tyler Biadasz and cornerback DaRon Bland.

McClay also played a big role in signing two of the Cowboys' special teams standouts, kicker Brandon Aubrey and returner KaVontae Turpin, both of whom were signed off the street from the USFL.

While the jury is still out on how the Schottenheimer signing will age, securing McClay's services for the extended future is a major plus for a Cowboys franchise that is looking to get back to its winning ways.

McClay and his scouting department will look to find some more hidden gems in the 2025 NFL Draft in April, in which the Cowboys currently hold the 12th overall pick in the first round and will have 10 picks in total, barring any trades.

Michael Carpenter

Michael is a California kid, living in Arizona as a graduate of The Cronkite School of Journalism, Forks Up. He believes Yadier Molina will be in the Hall, and Dez caught it. Michael njoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two beautiful daughters or playing video games. You can find him on Twitter @_MCSports.

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