Ken Dorsey Joins Dallas Cowboys as Pass Game Specialist: What It Means for the Team

Ken Dorsey’s Arrival in Dallas

After briefly being considered for the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator position, Ken Dorsey has officially joined the team as a pass game specialist. The news, first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, initially suggested that Dorsey was in the running for the offensive coordinator role. However, the Cowboys ultimately decided to hire Klayton Adams, leaving Dorsey with a different but still intriguing role on the staff.

Dorsey’s Coaching Journey: From Buffalo to Cleveland

Dorsey’s coaching career has been a rollercoaster. Before his short stint as the Cleveland Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2023—which ended in his firing—he spent several years with the Buffalo Bills (2019-2023) in various coaching roles. While his tenure as Buffalo’s OC was cut short midseason in 2023, he played a pivotal role in developing star quarterback Josh Allen. Dorsey was initially hired as Buffalo’s QB coach, helping Allen refine his game, which led to his promotion to passing game coordinator in 2021 and then to offensive coordinator.

During his time in Buffalo, the Bills’ passing offense was one of the best in the league. From 2019 to 2023, the team ranked fourth in Expected Points Added (EPA) per dropback and second in success rate, according to RBSDM. While Allen’s talent was undeniable, Dorsey’s coaching played a significant role in his growth. However, his offensive schemes were often criticized for their lack of an effective run game. His struggles continued in Cleveland, where he was unable to make an impact with a Browns team dealing with quarterback instability.

What Will Dorsey’s Role Be in Dallas?

As a pass game specialist, Dorsey’s exact responsibilities with the Cowboys remain somewhat unclear. According to Josina Anderson, he is expected to focus on film study and serve as a “scheme generalist,” which suggests a flexible role rather than a defined play-calling position. However, it is evident that offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is assembling a diverse staff with a variety of offensive influences.

So far, the Cowboys have made several intriguing hires on offense, including former Kansas State offensive line coach Conor Riley and Oregon wide receivers coach Junior Adams. Klayton Adams, known for his unique running game philosophy, also brings a fresh perspective to the staff. The addition of Dorsey further strengthens the team’s efforts to develop a well-rounded offensive approach.

What Dorsey Brings to the Cowboys’ Offense

While Dorsey may not have found long-term success as an offensive coordinator, his experience in Buffalo’s high-powered passing offense could be valuable to the Cowboys. The Bills were one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the league during his time there, and his insights could help Dallas maximize their aerial game.

With quarterback Dak Prescott at the helm, Dallas has the talent to be an elite passing offense, and Dorsey’s knowledge of modern passing concepts could provide an edge. Whether he will have a significant impact on game-planning or player development remains to be seen, but his presence adds another layer to an evolving Cowboys coaching staff.

Dorsey now has an opportunity to apply the lessons he learned in Buffalo and Cleveland to help the Cowboys refine their offensive identity. While his exact duties remain somewhat ambiguous, his track record with quarterbacks and passing schemes makes him an intriguing addition to the team.