NFL2 hours ago2 minute read

Jerry Jones Defends Dallas Cowboys Spending on Head Coaches

Jerry Jones pushes back on claims that he refuses to pay top dollar for head coaches in Dallas.

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Jones Defends Coaching Spend

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is firing back at critics who say he cheaped out on hiring his latest head coach. Jones faced backlash earlier in the week after stating that paying high salaries to head coaches does not correlate with winning in the NFL.

He spent over five minutes on Friday clearing up his position. Jones stated that money has never stopped him from getting what he wants. He said it is ridiculous to think he would let financial concerns prevent him from hiring the right person to build a championship team.

Coaching History in Dallas

The Cowboys hired Brian Schottenheimer in 2025. Dallas did not interview top candidates like Ben Johnson, who joined the Chicago Bears. Instead, Dallas interviewed Leslie Frazier, Robert Saleh, and Kellen Moore before giving the job to Schottenheimer. Saleh later joined the Titans, while Moore went to the Saints.

Reports indicate Schottenheimer ranks in the bottom half of the league for coaching pay. Former coach Mike McCarthy made 8 million dollars per season, while Jason Garrett signed a five year deal worth 30 million dollars in 2015.

Questions about Jones and his coaches date back to his split with Jimmy Johnson after back to back Super Bowl wins in 1992 and 1993. Jones famously claimed that 500 coaches could have won with that roster. Barry Switzer took over and won a Super Bowl in 1995. Dallas has not won one since. Jones has gone through seven head coaches since then, including Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Bill Parcells, Wade Phillips, Garrett, McCarthy, and Schottenheimer.

Behind the Scenes Efforts

Jones insists he has quietly tried to hire top names throughout his tenure. He mentioned trying to lure successful coaches away from other teams while knowing he would have to pay top money.

There were previous reports of interest in former Dallas assistant Sean Payton when he coached in New Orleans. Jones added that no coach has ever turned down the Dallas job simply because the pay was not high enough.

What it means for the next game

Dallas Cowboys at Indianapolis Colts (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): Indianapolis Colts win 33%, Dallas Cowboys win 67%; projected score Indianapolis Colts 23, Dallas Cowboys 29. Our safest pick: Cowboys to win.

San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys (NFL, Sun, 15 Nov): Dallas Cowboys win 36%, San Francisco 49ers win 64%; projected score Dallas Cowboys 25, San Francisco 49ers 29. Our safest pick: Over 46.5 points.