Jerry Jones has offered a fresh indication that Troy Aikman could have a future in the Dallas Cowboys' front office, praising the former quarterback's football knowledge and ability to succeed in a leadership role.
The comments come as Dallas struggles at 2-4 and questions grow about its direction as when asked about the possibility of bringing Aikman into the organization, Jones was enthusiastic about what the three-time Super Bowl champion could offer.
Although no appointment has been confirmed, the Cowboys owner and general manager made clear that he considers Aikman qualified for the challenge and Jones made his feelings clear.
“Well, that’s a loaded question,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. “[There’s] nobody more qualified than Troy Aikman. I’m a big Troy Aikman believer in terms of his ability to get the job done. I don’t know anybody who knows more [about] football.”
It was not the first time Jones had addressed the prospect this month as he similarly praised Aikman's potential at an owners meeting in New York, despite previously acknowledging that the Cowboys had not approached him about a front-office position.
“No, I think when I said no, Troy is very capable,” Jones said. “And he’s so, really, relatively speaking, he’s in his youth as careers go and he’s very capable of doing any one of a number of things, certainly anything to do with football.
“I don’t know of any area, short of getting back out on the field. I don’t know of any area that Troy wouldn’t be qualified and competent to go into.”
Aikman has already gained experience away from broadcasting, serving as a special consultant for the Miami Dolphins during their search for a new general manager and head coach earlier this offseason. He has also previously indicated that working with Jones again would not necessarily be an obstacle.
However, Dallas remains a particularly complicated destination because Jones has maintained control of football operations since purchasing the franchise. His son Stephen Jones is heavily involved in personnel decisions, while other members of the family occupy senior executive positions.
The timing of Jones' comments is notable because Aikman is approaching the end of his five-year ESPN deal as his future beyond the season remains uncertain – especially after Joe Buck has reportedly secured a six-year, $1.08 million extension agreement.
Aikman is reported to be furious with the fact that he wasn’t told about the sum involved by the network or Buck, and he has said he will become a free agent after ESPN's first Super Bowl broadcast in February 2027.
The Cowboys have their own problems to address after losing four of their six games and have struggled defensively despite a series of major personnel moves, including the acquisitions of defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Their offense has also endured a two-game slump after previously showing considerable promise and Jones acknowledged that the recent offensive performances fell short of his expectations but maintained that the unit could improve.
He has also expressed willingness to pursue additional trades before the November 10 deadline if an opportunity emerges to help the team this season but whether that means acquiring another player or bringing Aikman into a leadership role is unclear.