Ex-Cowboys Quarterback Will Grier Returns to Dallas with Coaching Opportunity After NFL Retirement

Former NFL quarterback Will Grier is heading back to the Dallas Cowboys, but this time he will be contributing from the sidelines instead of taking snaps on the field. Just days after announcing his retirement from professional football, Grier has reportedly accepted a new role as an offensive assistant with the Cowboys, marking the beginning of the next chapter in his football career.

The move brings Grier back to an organisation he already knows well. During his playing career, he spent time with Dallas on two separate occasions, allowing him to build relationships with coaches and players while gaining a strong understanding of the team’s offensive system. That familiarity is expected to help him transition smoothly into his new coaching responsibilities.

Grier’s return to the Cowboys comes after an eventful offseason. Earlier this year, reports indicated that he declined an opportunity to join the coaching staff under head coach Brian Schottenheimer because he still wanted to continue playing in the NFL. Instead, he chose to sign with the Carolina Panthers in April, hoping to extend his professional career.

However, his plans changed quickly. After stepping away from playing, Grier has now decided to pursue coaching, a path many former quarterbacks eventually take because of their experience studying offensive schemes, reading defences, and leading teammates on the field.

The former third-round draft pick entered the NFL in 2019 after an impressive college football career. He played at both the University of Florida and West Virginia University, where he became one of college football’s well-known quarterbacks. His strong arm, passing ability, and leadership helped him earn national attention before he entered the NFL Draft.

Grier began his professional career with the Carolina Panthers, the team that selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He appeared in two games as a starter during his rookie season before beginning a journey that saw him spend time with several NFL organisations.

Over the following years, Grier became one of many quarterbacks who moved between teams while competing for roster spots. His career included stops with the Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and multiple stints with the Dallas Cowboys. Although he never became a long-term starting quarterback in the league, he gained valuable experience by working in different offensive systems and learning from a variety of coaching staffs.

His time in Dallas was especially significant. Grier was part of the Cowboys organisation from 2021 through 2022 before returning for another stint during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Those years allowed him to become familiar with the team’s culture and offensive philosophy, making his transition into a coaching role a logical next step.

Quarterbacks often move into coaching because of the position’s demanding mental responsibilities. They are required to understand game plans, recognise defensive coverages, communicate adjustments, and help teammates execute offensive strategies. Those skills can translate well into coaching, particularly in offensive support roles where attention to detail and film study play major roles.

As an offensive assistant, Grier is expected to help with player development, game preparation, film analysis, practice planning, and supporting the coaching staff throughout the season. While assistants usually work behind the scenes, they contribute to many important aspects of an NFL team’s weekly preparation.

For the Cowboys, adding someone who recently played the position provides another perspective inside the offensive coaching room. Grier’s firsthand experience as an NFL quarterback may help younger players while also offering practical insight into modern offensive concepts.

The move also reflects a growing trend across the NFL, where recently retired players transition directly into coaching positions. Their current knowledge of league trends, offensive strategies, and locker-room dynamics can make them valuable additions to coaching staffs looking to develop talent and improve communication with players.

Although Will Grier’s playing career has come to an end, his football journey is far from over. His return to the Cowboys gives him an opportunity to begin building a coaching career with a franchise he already knows well. As Dallas prepares for the upcoming NFL season, Grier will now work toward helping the team from the sidelines, bringing years of professional playing experience into his new role as an offensive assistant.

Sources

• National Football League (NFL)
• Dallas Cowboys
• Carolina Panthers