NFL News: Klayton Adams, Cowboys Agree to OC Contract on Brian Schottenheimer's Staff

The Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams have agreed to a deal to make him the franchise's next offensive coordinator, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo initially reported Adams was considered "the favorite" for the job as he prepared to have his second interview with the Cowboys on Friday.

Adams had a virtual interview with the Cowboys on Tuesday, per The MMQB's Conor Orr.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Thursday that Ken Dorsey was also being considered for the job, with the two sides working to schedule an interview. ESPN's Todd Archer added that the Cowboys interviewed Detroit Lions running backs coach Scottie Montgomery for their vacant OC position.

Entering the 2023 season, Orr put together a list of the top head-coaching candidates in the future for NFL teams. Adams was included in that group after being "highly recommended by one offensive NFL coach."

Orr noted Adams was a key architect in building Arizona's rushing attack for the 2024 season. The Cardinals ranked seventh in the NFL with 144.2 rushing yards per game. Their 5.3 yards per attempt was tied for the second-best in the league, behind only the Baltimore Ravens (5.8).

Adams spent 14 seasons working in the college ranks starting in 2005 when he was a graduate assistant at Boise State. He had stops at five different universities, highlighted by being co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Colorado in 2018.

Then-Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich gave Adams his break into the NFL when he hired him as assistant offensive line coach in 2019. He remained with the Colts for four seasons, then joined the Cardinals in 2023.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters during Brian Schottenheimer's introductory press conference as head coach on Monday that Schottenheimer will call plays for the offense.

The new offensive coordinator will work closely with Schottenheimer to install the game plans during the week and help with any calls or adjustments that need to be made within the course of a game.

Schottenheimer is taking over after Mike McCarthy's tenure with the Cowboys ended when the two sides were unable to agree to terms on a new contract. They finished 7-10 this season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020.