Dallas Cowboys Hire Former Quarterback As New Coach, Just One Week After His Retirement
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Dallas Cowboys have brought back a familiar face ahead of training camp. Former NFL quarterback Will Grier is returning to Dallas, this time as an offensive assistant under head coach Brian Schottenheimer for the 2026 season.
The move came only a few days after Grier retired from playing football. The Carolina Panthers placed him on the reserve/retired list on July 15. Just a few days later, the Cowboys announced that he had joined their coaching staff.
Grier already knows the Cowboys well. He played for the team from 2021 to 2022 and again from 2024 to 2025, so the transition into his new coaching role should be smooth. Moreover, it will be interesting to see him work with his former teammate Dak Prescott.
Will Grier Begins Coaching Career
The Cowboys added Grier to Schottenheimer’s coaching staff just before the training camp. Since he already knows the team’s offense and many of the players, he should have an easier time settling into his new role.
Grier accepted the coaching job just over a week after retiring from the NFL. The quick move suggests the Cowboys wanted to bring him onto the staff as soon as he decided to end his playing career.
The #Cowboys have hired former NFL QB Will Grier as an offensive assistant, per @toddarcher.
Grier spent time with HC Brian Schottenheimer and OC Klayton Adams as a player in Dallas and has been thinking about entering the coaching ranks for a number of years. pic.twitter.com/OI1pSi6iQw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 24, 2026
Although Grier had a successful college career, he never became a regular starting quarterback in the NFL. He started only two games, completing 53.8% of his passes for 228 yards and throwing four interceptions.
Before entering the league, Grier played at West Virginia. He won the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year award and finished his college career with 7,354 passing yards, 71 touchdown passes, and 20 interceptions.
Now, Grier gets a chance to make an impact from the sidelines. His playing experience and familiarity with the Cowboys will be a huge advantage with the offense, especially at the very beginning of his coaching journey.
