It is 2026, and the Dallas Cowboys are still searching for that elusive spark that defines a dynasty. Every time a headset hits the turf or a season ends in disappointment, the same name starts floating around the water coolers in Frisco: No. 22. Honestly, the idea of Emmitt Smith coaching Cowboys players isn't just a fantasy for fans who grew up in the nineties. It’s a recurring conversation that peaks every time Jerry Jones hints at a shake-up.
But let’s get one thing straight right now.
As of January 2026, Emmitt Smith is not the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. He isn't the running backs coach either. Despite the relentless rumors and the "what if" segments on sports radio, the NFL's all-time leading rusher has spent more time lately managing his business empire and watching his son, EJ Smith, prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Why Everyone Thought it Would Happen
The "Emmitt for Coach" buzz reached a fever pitch back in early 2025. It started with a simple, almost casual comment. When asked by Us Weekly if he’d ever consider coaching, Smith smiled and admitted, “At the end of the day, I have considered it.”
Boom. The internet exploded.
Cowboys fans, already weary from years of "almost" seasons under Mike McCarthy and the subsequent transition to Brian Schottenheimer, latched onto that quote like a lifeline. They saw Deion Sanders transforming Colorado and wondered: Why not us? Why not the GOAT?
There’s a specific logic to it. Emmitt wasn’t just a fast guy with good vision. He was a technician. He understood leverage, blocking schemes, and the psychological warfare of a four-quarter game. You’d think that would translate perfectly to the sidelines.
The Reality Check
Coaching in the NFL is a grind that makes a 300-carry season look like a vacation. We’re talking 18-hour days, sleeping on office couches, and obsessing over film of a third-string long snapper.
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Emmitt is a mogul. He’s got real estate, construction firms, and a NASCAR team (Jesse Iwuji Motorsports). Basically, he’s doing pretty well for himself. Moving from the boardroom back to the grueling schedule of an NFL assistant coach—which is where he’d likely have to start—is a massive ask.
What Smith Actually Thinks of the Current Coaching
Emmitt hasn’t been shy about his critiques. He’s a "balance" guy. He’s gone on record saying the league has become too "pass-happy" and that coordinators are enamored with the flash rather than the fundamentals.
When the Cowboys promoted Brian Schottenheimer to head coach for the 2025 season, Smith was... well, he was patient but skeptical. He told Sports Lens he was "soaking it in" but clearly wasn't over the moon. His big issue? The lack of a physical identity.
"I think the Cowboys need a defensive-minded coach. I really do. I think the organization has gotten away from truly what has made it great, and that is running the football and throwing the football, being a well-balanced offensive unit." — Emmitt Smith.
He’s basically saying the team lacks the "blue-collar" grit that defined the Jimmy Johnson era. And he’s not wrong. Watching the 2025 Cowboys struggle with run blocking while trying to chase the next Patrick Mahomes-style highlight reel clearly rubs the old-school legend the wrong way.
The EJ Smith Factor in 2026
The conversation around Emmitt Smith coaching Cowboys personnel has shifted recently because of a different Smith. EJ Smith, after a college career at Stanford and Texas A&M, has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Now, imagine the scenes.
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Jerry Jones loves a good story. If EJ goes undrafted or is available late, there is a very real chance he ends up in a Cowboys uniform. If that happens, does Emmitt show up at The Star more often? Probably. Does he start "consulting"? It’s highly likely.
We’ve seen this before. Former greats often start as "special advisors." It’s the "soft" way to get into coaching without the 4:00 AM wake-up calls.
Is He Actually Qualified?
Look, being a great player doesn't make you a great coach. Magic Johnson struggled. Wayne Gretzky didn't win a Cup behind the bench.
But Emmitt is different. He was never the fastest or the strongest. He won because he was the smartest. He knew where the hole would be before the center even snapped the ball. That kind of "vision" is exactly what you want a young running back to learn.
If the Cowboys ever did pull the trigger on hiring him, it would likely be in a specialized role.
- Running Backs Coach: The obvious choice.
- Offensive Consultant: Fixing the "balance" he complains about.
- Player Development: Teaching the "mindset" he says is missing.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that Jerry Jones hasn't asked. Rumors in Dallas circles suggest there’s always an open door for the Triplets. Michael Irvin is always around. Troy Aikman is in the booth but still has Jerry’s ear.
The holdup isn't the Cowboys’ interest; it’s likely Emmitt’s interest in the lifestyle. He’s 56 years old. He’s got his gold jacket. He’s got his health.
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Why trade that for the stress of a 17-game season where you get blamed for every fumbled exchange?
The "Deion Effect" and the Future
You can't talk about Emmitt Smith coaching Cowboys possibilities without mentioning Coach Prime. Deion Sanders proved that a Hall of Fame personality can galvanize a locker room.
However, Smith has pointed out that "African-American coaches often start with limited resources." He’s sensitive to the politics of NFL hiring. If he were to jump in, he’d want to do it on his terms, with a real commitment from the front office to return to a "power run" philosophy.
Practical Takeaways for Fans
If you're waiting for an official press conference announcing Coach Smith, don't hold your breath for the 2026 season. Here is what is actually happening:
- Watch the Draft: Keep an eye on EJ Smith. If he lands in Dallas, Emmitt’s presence at practices will skyrocket.
- Listen to the Critiques: When Emmitt talks about "lack of commitment to the run," he’s basically giving the team a free coaching session. The front office is listening, even if they aren't hiring him yet.
- The "Special Advisor" Role: This is the most realistic path. Expect to see him in a more formal "consultant" capacity if the Schottenheimer era continues to produce "average" results.
The dream of Emmitt Smith leading the Cowboys from the sidelines is a powerful one. It represents a return to a time when Dallas dominated the trenches and won Super Bowls. While he isn't wearing the whistle yet, his influence on the franchise's culture is stronger than it has been in years.
To stay ahead of any actual moves, keep a close watch on the Cowboys' coaching staff announcements following the 2026 draft. If a "Senior Offensive Assistant" spot opens up, that's the moment to start getting excited.