The Dallas Cowboys are bringing a familiar face back to the organization, but this time it's not to throw passes. Former NFL quarterback Will Grier has officially joined Brian Schottenheimer's coaching staff as an offensive assistant for the 2026 season, the team confirmed Friday.
Grier, who spent parts of three seasons with the Cowboys between 2021-2022 and 2024-2025, will make the transition from player to coach. He was most recently on the Carolina Panthers' roster before being placed on the reserve/retired list on July 15. It didn't take long for Dallas to scoop him up once he hung up his cleats.
This move adds a young offensive mind to Schottenheimer's staff, and Grier should have no trouble fitting in. He already knows the organization, the culture, and—perhaps most importantly—the quarterback room. He'll work alongside Pro Bowl signal-caller Dak Prescott, a former teammate who knows Grier's football IQ firsthand.
“It’s a natural fit,” one team source said. “Will knows the system, he knows the players, and he has a sharp football mind. We think he can really contribute on the coaching side.”
Grier's NFL playing career was brief. He made just two starts, completing 53.8% of his passes for 228 yards with four interceptions. But his college résumé at West Virginia was far more impressive. The former Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year threw for 7,354 yards, 71 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions as a Mountaineer. That production earned him a third-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2019.
Now, Grier will try to translate that experience into coaching success. He joins a staff that includes several young assistants, and his familiarity with the organization should help him hit the ground running.
The Cowboys have a history of hiring former players as coaches, and this move continues that trend. Grier's understanding of the locker room and the grind of an NFL season could make him a valuable asset, especially for younger quarterbacks on the roster.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys are also dealing with other roster news. New edge rusher Charles Snowden was suspended for the first three games of 2026, creating a hole on defense that the team will need to address before training camp.
Grier's hiring is the latest in a series of coaching moves for Dallas, and it will be fascinating to see if the former West Virginia star can thrive on the sidelines. If his college career is any indication, he has the talent and work ethic to make a successful transition.
