But perhaps a growing theory on how the Cowboys' meeting went with Kellen Moore explains why the front office turned to Schottenheimer and it would prove franchise legend Troy Aik
These days, most people know Troy Aikman as ESPN’s lead NFL color commentator, one half of a stellar duo with play-by-play person Joe Buck. But once upon a time, Aikman was a Dallas Cowboys legend, winning three Super Bowls with the franchise in the 1990s as their starting quarterback.
Signs seemed to point toward the Dallas Cowboys retaining Mike McCarthy as their head coach for 2025 after owner and general manager Jerry Jones profusely praised him after their Week 18 finale against the Washington Commanders.
Troy Aikman hasn't been shy when it comes to criticizing his old team. While he's quick to say he loved his time with the Dallas Cowboys, he also seems to be frustrated with the direction they've gone over the past couple of decades.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer and ESPN Monday Night Football broadcaster said he was surprised by the team’s choice to move on from McCarthy.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has called Sanders about the job, but no formal interview has been set up. Even so, on Friday, Dallas-based NFL insider Ed Werder reported that those around Sanders believe that he would take the job if offered.
Cowboys legend Troy Aikman joined the Musers on Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket (KTCK-AM) Thursday for his regular weekly appearance to talk the coaching search in Dallas and more. Here are some highlights, edited for clarity:
McCarthy went 49-35 with the Cowboys, reaching the playoffs in 2021, 2022 and 2023, but they won just one postseason game in that span. Dallas went 7-10 this season after losing starting quarterback Dak Prescott to injury in Week 9.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, left, talks with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) AP
The Cowboys announced they were parting ways with Mike McCarthy on Monday. Troy Aikman criticized Dallas' approach to its coaching change.
Football is poetic. It is a story written as if the heartstrings had hands. UCLA's Troy Aikman, a man who found his rightful home in Westwood after an ill-fate