Former Cowboys backup quarterback Will Grier, a third-round pick of Carolina and one-time West Virginia star, retired as a player on July 16, 2026. Now he's returned to Dallas, but not on the field, as the team's brand-new offensive assistant. 

Per Dallas Cowboys reporter Nick Eatman, Grier joined Brian Schottenheimer's staff as an offensive assistant on July 25, 2026. He is a natural fit given his history in the building across two stints, 2021-2022 and 2024-2025.

Being offered a coaching role by Schottenheimer, Grier refused at first, choosing a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. After Dallas acquired Sam Howell to the backup quarterback position, Grier was released in March 2026.

Dallas Cowboys' official site's confirmation came after the Panthers placed Grier on the reserve/retired list on July 15, after 85 days.

The Cowboys' offer stood. Grier's familiarity with Schottenheimer's system helped, and his relationship with quarterback Dak Prescott runs deep.

Grier will work with Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Klayton Adams for opponent film breakdown, quality control, and preparation of the game plan.

This promotion is similar to the transition to offensive coordinator we saw with former Cowboys backup Kellen Moore due to the similarities in their Cowboys career.

Grier may be inexperienced as a coach, but his years around NFL offenses and knowledge of Dallas' personnel make him a valuable addition. His hiring continues Schottenheimer's focus on developing a young staff with long-term potential.

His rise from Cowboys backup to offensive assistant illustrates how quickly things change, and that same pressure is now on several current players, the same players whose film Grier will be breaking down this summer. 

What awaits Will Grier in Dallas

Located in Oxnard, training camp will commence on July 29. With back-to-back non-playoff seasons, focus shifts away from just outcomes of games and toward specific players as well.

George Pickens will be playing in camp under the franchise tag, which guarantees $27.3 million, and since Pickens performed career-best numbers by catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns, ESPN cites Dallas wanting more from him to agree to a long-term deal.

Going into his third season is left tackle Tyler Guyton. He is recovering from a high ankle injury that ended his 2025 season early. His presence helps keep the offensive line closed around left guard Tyler Smith.

While for Grier it is a new position, Schottenheimer has a track record with young coaches.

He appointed Klayton Adams as offensive coordinator and Christian Parker as defensive coordinator, both in their first year in those roles. Parker is 34, Adams is 43, while Dallas' eight defensive coaching additions this offseason have an average age of 36.

What are your thoughts on Grier's return to the Cowboys' staff? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar