The Dallas Cowboys Name Clayton Adams as New Offensive Coordinator

The Dallas Cowboys have officially named Clayton Adams as their new offensive coordinator. While he may not be a household name, this hire could bring fresh ideas and new energy to the team.

Who is Clayton Adams?

Adams has a diverse coaching background spanning both college and the NFL. He played center at Boise State, earning Second-Team All-WAC honors in 2004. His coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Boise State before moving through various collegiate roles, including positions at Western Washington, Sacramento State, San Jose State, and Colorado.

Adams made his leap to the NFL as an assistant offensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts before serving as the tight ends coach. Most recently, he was the offensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals, where he played a key role in developing their run game.

Why This is a Smart Hire

One of the most compelling aspects of this hire is that the Cowboys went outside their traditional coaching bubble. While familiarity within a coaching staff is important, fresh ideas are equally valuable. Adams brings a balance between continuity and innovation.

Dallas also focused on improving their run game during their search for a new offensive coordinator. Every candidate they interviewed, including Ken Dorsey, Kevin Koger, and Scotty Montgomery, had a strong emphasis on the run game. Adams fits this mold perfectly, having contributed to Arizona’s highly effective rushing attack last season.

What Adams Brings to Dallas

Under Adams, the Cardinals’ rushing offense ranked among the best in the league:

• 7th in rushing yards per game
• 2nd in yards per carry
• 7th in EPA per carry
• 4th in explosive runs
• Top 10 in run success rate

A key takeaway from Arizona’s success was their ability to generate significant yards before contact. The Cowboys, by comparison, struggled in this area. If Adams can implement similar concepts in Dallas, the team’s running game could see immediate improvement.

A More Diverse Run Scheme

Arizona’s run game under Adams was highly varied, incorporating a mix of inside zone (20%), man (18%), outside zone (17.5%), counters (16%), and pull-lead plays (6.3%). In contrast, the Cowboys relied heavily on inside zone (31%) and outside zone (22.6%), making their run game more predictable.

With Adams at the helm, expect a more dynamic and effective rushing attack in Dallas. This doesn’t mean the Cowboys will become a run-heavy team, but rather that they’ll have a more efficient run game to counter defenses that focus on stopping their passing attack.

Final Thoughts

While it remains to be seen how successful Adams will be as offensive coordinator, his track record suggests he could be a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ staff. His experience, particularly in developing a strong run game, aligns with what Dallas needs to take their offense to the next level.

Now, it’s up to Adams and the Cowboys to translate this potential into results on the field.