Dallas Cowboys need to capitalize on Will McClay’s brilliance
In what has become a concern every offseason, the Dallas Cowboys will once again retain their senior director of college and pro personnel, Will McClay.
The Dallas Cowboys are never short of questions heading into every offseason; especially this year coming off a season that was a monumental disappointment. What coaching changes will be made? Where are they drafting and who could be available? Will this be the year they finally try to bring in a big name free agent?
While those questions are certainly ones that deserve some attention, they are not nearly as important as the question that continues to come up every offseason; will the Cowboys be able to retain Will McClay?
McClay has become one of the most sought after front office candidates in the league based on the work he has done with the Cowboys. Dallas has had a dramatic turn around in their offseason approach throughout the last decade. They used to be a team run by an owner who was not afraid to spend money and bring in the big name free agents only to see that decision blow up in their face both schematically and financially.
Just about every core player currently on the Cowboys has been brought in through the draft process without big money being wasted on has been free agents. This change in approach is not a coincidence with McClay being the man behind the scenes driving this change in philosophy. Since McClay has come to power within the organization, they are no longer afraid to let aging veterans walk in free agency or feel the need bring in big name free agents but instead, trust in the process in drafting and developing young core players.
Owner Jerry Jones certainly deserves his share of criticism throughout the years but his ability to retain McClay could perhaps be his biggest accomplishment in recent years. The Jones family has managed to build a sense of loyalty and belonging with McClay that has kept him around all while turning down chances to interview with teams offering him a new general manager title, which Jerry Jones will never forfeit.
Even though McClay does not have the almighty general manager title, rest assured he is the most powerful man within the Cowboys organization not sharing the Jones name. Keeping McClay in a high position of authority and decision making could mean more than any player on the field. The proof of his work can be seen just by looking at Jerry Jones’ track record, or lack thereof, of drafting before McClay was in his current position.
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It will most likely be only a matter of time until Will McClay departs for greener pastures. The chance to be the highest decision maker within an organization and ultimately prove his worth. But until that time comes, the Dallas Cowboys need to capitalize on the brilliance of McClay and do whatever is within their power to retain one of the bright young front office minds in the NFL.