Cowboys chief scout Will McClay honoring commitment to son, staying in Dallas
On a day when eight home-grown Dallas Cowboys and a ninth free agent addition were honored as on the NFL All-Pro teams, the franchise got it’s biggest win when the architect behind it all announced he was staying put in Dallas.
Will McClay, the vice president of player personnel, has received general manager interest from the Washington Commanders and the Carolina Panthers.
But McClay confirmed that he is not taking any interviews and has no interest in leaving the Cowboys.
“Yes, I am staying put,” McClay said. “Flattered by the interest but honoring the commitment I made to my son.”
McClay has one son, Gabriel, who is in high school in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
McClay’s track record of success since taking over the Cowboys scouting department in 2014 has been well chronicled.
Among the Pro Bowlers drafted under McClay’s tenure include guard Zack Martin, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, cornerback Byron Jones, quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, cornerback Trevon Diggs, receiver CeeDee Lamb cornerback DaRon Bland, linebacker Micah Parsons and center Tyler Biadasz.
He has supplemented his drafts with solid pick ups in free agency to help bolster the foundation of team that has won 12 games in each of the last three seasons and has only two losing records since 2014.
It was most evident on the Associated Press All-Pro teams.
Lamb, Bland, Zack Martin and rookie Brandon Aubrey earned first-team honors. Prescott, left tackle Tyron Smith, left guard Tyler Smith, Parsons and punter Bryan Anger were named to the second team.
The Cowboys value McClay’s role and contributions but he will never be the general manager in Dallas.
Jerry Jones is owner/general manager and Stephen Jones is executive vice president/director of player of player of personnel.
This story was originally published January 12, 2024 at 1:32 PM.
