The Dallas Cowboys are in search of fresh leadership to help pull the franchise out of its current turmoil. One of the team’s legendary figures, DeMarcus Ware, has stepped forward with potential solutions.
Former Cowboy and Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware recently shared his thoughts with Fox News Digital about the possibility of joining the Cowboys’ coaching staff, but only if his former teammate, Jason Witten, is appointed as head coach.
A Strong Endorsement for Witten
“I’m vouching for him right now to be the head coach, and he might vouch for me to come over as some kind of defensive coach,” Ware stated in an exclusive interview. “I would say there is a 94% chance that if Jason Witten becomes head coach, I’d be very interested in joining him.”
Witten has been making waves in coaching since taking over as head coach at Liberty Christian High School in Argyle, Texas, in 2021. He turned down multiple assistant coaching offers at both the NFL and college levels to lead the high school program, according to ESPN. On the other hand, Ware has experience serving as a pass-rush consultant for the Denver Broncos in 2018.
Focusing on Micah Parsons
If Ware were to join a coaching staff under Witten, one of his primary focuses would be star linebacker Micah Parsons. Ware believes that Parsons brings an essential spark to the Cowboys’ defense, which has been lacking.
“If he can consistently be on the field and perform like he does at the start of the season, he’s the electricity that the team needs to wake up,” Ware explained. He emphasized that having Parsons playing at his best would not only lead to more victories for the Cowboys but also alleviate some of the pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott.
Podcasting During Football Season: A Conflict?
Ware suggested that if he and Witten were to oversee the coaching staff, Parsons would likely have to cut back on his podcasting activities during the NFL season. The linebacker has been hosting “The Edge With Micah Parsons” on Bleacher Report since the beginning of the 2023 season.
“He probably won’t be doing it during the season; I know he won’t be,” Ware remarked. “He’ll be too focused on getting to the quarterback and wreaking havoc in the backfield.”
Reflecting on his own career, Ware noted that he would not have engaged in a weekly podcast during the season, especially early in his career. He acknowledged the challenges Parsons faces in balancing football and media commitments, saying, “That’s very hard.”
The Impact of In-Season Distractions
Parsons’ podcast has already attracted some controversy. During one episode, he opened up about being pressured by teammates to consume an excessive amount of C4 Energy powder before a game, resulting in chest pains and nausea. He later attributed his decisions to “peer pressure.”
In another episode, Parsons made headlines by encouraging other NFL players to seek relationships with high-profile celebrity women, naming Zendaya as a target, despite her long-standing relationship with actor Tom Holland.
Teammate’s Concerns
Some of Parsons’ teammates have voiced concerns about the impact of his podcast on team dynamics. Cowboys safety Malik Hooker advised Parsons to remain focused on the team’s goals rather than media distractions. “If we’re out working, and the run game’s terrible, but you’re doing a podcast every week — then what are you really caring about?” Hooker questioned.
When reporters pressed Parsons about the potential distraction his podcast could pose during training camp, he defended his right to have personal time. “I don’t think anyone really cares about what I’m doing on a Monday afternoon when I’m at home with my kids,” he stated.
A Challenging Season Ahead
Despite Parsons’ strong performance in previous seasons, he encountered his most challenging year as a professional, recording career lows in sacks and tackles. The Cowboys finished with a disappointing 7-10 record, leading to the departure of head coach Mike McCarthy.
As Parsons heads into the offseason, he faces the prospect of a coaching change for the first time in his career. He is also seeking a contract extension that could potentially surpass the largest deal for a defensive player in NFL history, currently held by Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers.
Ware’s Vision for the Future
If Ware joins the Cowboys’ coaching staff, he believes Parsons could have a bright future, though it may require sacrifices in terms of his media engagements. “Having a podcast, doing those types of things, I just wouldn’t do them during the season,” Ware said. “I’m focused all on football and winning games.”
Ware also shared insights on what the Cowboys’ defense has been missing in recent years: focus during critical moments. Reflecting on his own playoff experiences, he recalled the challenging losses to the New York Giants and emphasized the importance of maintaining “mojo” throughout the season.
The Path Ahead for the Cowboys
As the Cowboys look ahead, the prospect of Witten taking the helm, with Ware possibly by his side, could mark a new chapter for the team. The Cowboys have not reached a Super Bowl since the 1995 season, and both Ware and Witten are eager to change that narrative.
In summary, if DeMarcus Ware’s plan materializes, it could lead to significant changes for the Cowboys and star linebacker Micah Parsons, both on and off the field.