Cowboys Tap Derrick Foster to Revitalize Struggling Ground Game

The Dallas Cowboys have finalized their search for a new running backs coach, hiring Derrick Foster to lead the team’s efforts to overhaul one of the NFL’s least-productive rushing attacks in 2024. Foster, 38, joins the Cowboys after stints with the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers, where he developed standout performances from Alvin Kamara and Austin Ekeler.

Foster’s Coaching Pedigree

Foster brings a track record of elevating running backs to prominence. During his three seasons with the Chargers (2021–2023), Austin Ekeler thrived under his guidance, leading the NFL in scrimmage touchdowns (44) and receptions (228) by a running back during that span. In 2024, Foster’s lone season with the Saints saw Alvin Kamara average 67.9 rushing yards per game—12th-best in the league—despite limited contributions from New Orleans’ backup runners.Before his NFL career, Foster honed his skills at Iowa, where he coached the program’s first All-Big Ten running back in a decade. His collegiate experience also includes roles at Samford, Northwestern State, and Tennessee, where he focused on developing ground games and recruiting talent.

Dallas’ Rushing Woes and Foster’s Challenge

The Cowboys’ decision follows a dismal 2024 campaign where the team ranked 27th in rushing yards, averaged a third-worst 3.8 yards per carry, and scored a league-low six rushing touchdowns. Starter Rico Dowdle managed 1,079 yards but was inconsistently utilized in a committee approach with Ezekiel Elliott, who was released before Week 18. With Dowdle now a free agent, Dallas is expected to target running backs in free agency or the draft, placing Foster at the center of a critical rebuild.

Strategic Hire Amid Staff Overhaul

Foster’s hiring aligns with offensive coordinator Klayton Adams’ vision to modernize the Cowboys’ playbook. His familiarity with diverse schemes—from Ekeler’s dual-threat versatility to Kamara’s workload management—positions him to adapt to Dallas’ personnel needs28. The move also sidestepped potential financial hurdles, as candidates like former Cowboys RB Tashard Choice (now at Texas) and Oregon’s Ra’Shaad Samples reportedly sought higher salaries than Dallas’ budget allowed25.

Looking Ahead

For the Saints, Foster’s departure underscores broader challenges. New Orleans’ backups averaged just 11.7–24.7 rushing yards per game in 2024, highlighting the need for renewed development under their next coach. Meanwhile, the Cowboys aim to restore their legacy as a dominant rushing franchise, leaning on Foster’s ability to maximize talent—whether through a rookie draft pick, a free-agent signing, or existing roster players.With the 2025 draft approaching, all eyes will be on Foster and the Cowboys’ front office to see if this partnership can reignite a ground game that once defined America’s Team.