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Jerry Jones isn't closing the door on the possibility of Troy Aikman taking on a prominent role with the Dallas Cowboys. During a Monday morning appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Jones was asked about the prospect of Aikman joining the team in a major capacity and indicated it's not out of the question.
"The answer is not that necessarily we're going to do something more direct with the team at this time, but don't rule it out," Jones said, via The Athletic. "It's very possible."
Aikman, who has served as ESPN's lead analyst on Monday Night Football for the past 26 years (also calling games for FOX), recently assisted the Miami Dolphins in their general manager search, which led to the hiring of former Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan. Of course, Aikman is best known for leading the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s, making him one of the most celebrated figures in franchise history.
However, Aikman has also been critical of the team and Jones in the past. "I think that teams and organizations, whether it's sports, business, I think it all does start at the top, good or bad," Aikman said this offseason when discussing the Cowboys' Super Bowl drought. "I think it starts at the top. I don't think Jerry would shy away from that. I think Jerry would certainly take responsibility. He'll take accountability if and when they win, and I think then you have to take responsibility when it hasn't worked out. And it hasn't worked out."
It's notable that Jones would still consider bringing Aikman into the fold despite those comments. But Jones has always been one to generate headlines, and adding Aikman in any capacity would certainly do that. Whether it would translate to on-field success is another matter.
This year's Cowboys team entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations but has been inconsistent at best. Dallas snapped a two-game losing streak with a win over the Eagles on Monday night, but Aikman remained skeptical about their contender status. "Eh, not really. Not really. And I don't mean that as a negative," Aikman said on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt after the game. "This is a beat-up Philadelphia team. To come in here and win tonight, I mean, let's not get carried away. They kind of did what you would expect them to do."
At 3-4, the Cowboys trail the New York Giants in the NFC East. Their upcoming schedule appears favorable with games against the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and a rematch with the Eagles over the next five weeks, though they also face the San Francisco 49ers. A clearer picture of their contender status may emerge around their bye week when they play the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Giants in succession.
Key Analysis
If the Cowboys fall short of Jones's lofty expectations once again, a significant move like bringing Aikman into the front office or a consulting role could materialize next offseason. Jones's willingness to consider such a high-profile addition underscores his relentless pursuit of attention and his desire to return the franchise to Super Bowl glory.
Originally reported by cbssports.