Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer is giving offensive coordinator Klayton Adams an opportunity to call plays during scrimmages and potentially the preseason. But the decision is about more than simply experimenting with a different play-caller.
Schottenheimer confirmed Thursday that Adams can handle play-calling responsibilities in those situations because he views developing his coaches as part of his job.
“I think it’s his command in the meetings,” coach Schottenheimer said about Adams. “I don’t install passes anymore. He’ll do a lot of the passes, and does a great job with the passes. It’s kind of good for me to listen, because it makes my creative juices get going, curiosity, how you can compliment things and stuff like that. But just his command of the entire system, not just the run game. He’s way more than just the run game coordinator.”
HC also added, “He’s truly an offensive coordinator now. And that’s why I’ve allowed him to call some plays throughout training camp. He called the two-minute and the one-call-it period we had against the Rams. And might let him call some in the preseason. I’ll probably do most of it. But probably let him call some, because he’s earned the right to do that.”
The opportunity gives Adams valuable experience running an offense while Schottenheimer continues preparing for the regular season.
That distinction matters because Adams will not take over the Cowboys’ offense when the games begin to count. Schottenheimer will remain the regular-season play-caller, making Adams’ preseason opportunities more about development than competition.
Who is Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams?
Adams brings 20 years of coaching experience to Dallas at both collegiate and NFL levels. Known for his run-game expertise and blocking scheme designs, Adams has quickly made his mark in Dallas.
In 2025, the Cowboys finished second in the NFL in total offense (391.9 yards per game) under his leadership, ranking among the top five in both total offense and scoring. The unit featured a 4,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard receivers, and a 1,000-yard rusher in Javonte Williams, who set career highs with 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns. Dallas averaged 4.59 yards per carry (ninth in the NFL) and 268.1 passing yards per game (second in the NFL).
Prior to Dallas, Adams spent 2023-24 with the Arizona Cardinals as offensive line coach, where he helped develop one of the league’s most effective rushing attacks. He previously coached with the Indianapolis Colts (2019-22) and at Colorado (2013-18). Adams played center at Boise State, earning second-team All-WAC honors in 2004.
And now, he will be calling the preseason games for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys open their preseason against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, August 15, at 7 p.m. CT at Lumen Field. They then travel to face the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, August 22, at 9 p.m. CT at State Farm Stadium, before hosting the New Orleans Saints on Friday, August 28, at 7 p.m. CT at AT&T Stadium.
Those three games provide Adams with several opportunities to experience the demands of calling an offense in a real-game environment. Unlike a practice setting, preseason games require adjustments between series, communication with players and coaches, and decisions based on how the opposing defense responds.
That experience is precisely what makes Schottenheimer’s decision noteworthy. Adams can experience the responsibility of directing an offense without being handed the pressure of doing so during the regular season.
The Cowboys’ regular-season opener comes on Sunday, September 13, at 7:20 p.m. CT against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
By then, Schottenheimer will be back in control of the play-calling duties as Dallas begins its regular-season campaign.
Schottenheimer’s approach also highlights a broader responsibility that comes with being a head coach. His job is not simply to call plays and manage games. And also to develop the coaches underneath him and prepare them for greater responsibilities.
For Adams, the Seahawks, Cardinals and Saints games could provide a valuable test. But for Schottenheimer, they offer an opportunity to develop one of the most important members of his coaching staff while maintaining his own authority.
