The Dallas Cowboys will have a strong presence at one of the biggest pre-draft showcases on the NFL calendar - the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl - with two of their own taking on key coaching roles in the all-star event.
Tight ends coach Lunda Wells has been named head coach of the West team, a prestigious opportunity that not only highlights his coaching acumen but also gives the Cowboys a front-row seat to some of the top draft-eligible talent in the country. It’s a rare chance to step beyond the film room and into the huddle with players who could soon be suiting up on Sundays.
Joining Wells in Frisco will be defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who will serve as the defensive coordinator for the East team. Whitecotton, who recently interviewed for Dallas’ open defensive coordinator position, will get a valuable opportunity to showcase his leadership and scheme versatility in a game setting - all while evaluating talent up close.
For a team like Dallas, which prides itself on finding value in every phase of the draft, this kind of access is gold. The weeklong format of the Shrine Bowl - with practices, meetings, and one-on-one time with players - allows coaches to evaluate more than just tape.
It’s about how players learn, how they respond to coaching, and how they carry themselves in a professional environment. That kind of insight can be the difference between taking a flyer and making a confident pick.
And the Cowboys have already shown they know how to mine talent from this event. In recent years, they’ve selected tight end Luke Schoonmaker (2023) and wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (2024) after both participated in Shrine Bowl week. That track record makes this year’s involvement even more intriguing.
Adding a layer of Cowboys history to the week, former fullback Daryl “Moose” Johnston - who played in the Shrine Bowl back in 1989 - is set to be inducted into the East-West Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame. Johnston, a key figure in the Cowboys’ dynasty years, reflected on what the opportunity meant to him as a young prospect coming out of Syracuse.
“It was a huge confidence boost,” Johnston said. “The questions NFL scouts had about me being a fullback, I was given a platform and a game to ease those concerns. It was a tremendous experience.”
He also spoke to what makes the Shrine Bowl unique - its partnership with Shriners Children’s and the event’s mission to give back.
“It’s not just about football,” Johnston said. “It’s about these amazing young kids who are fighting things on a daily basis. That connection really ties it all together.”
The 101st edition of the East-West Shrine Bowl kicks off Tuesday, January 27, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas - the Cowboys’ own backyard. The game will air at 6 p.m. CT on NFL Network, and as always, it will be a critical stop on the road to the NFL Draft.
As for the West roster that Wells will lead, it features a deep mix of talent across the board. Quarterbacks like Haynes King (Georgia Tech), Mark Gronowski (Iowa), and Miller Moss (Louisville) will take center stage, while wideouts such as Skyler Bell (Connecticut), Malik Benson (Oregon), and Chase Roberts (BYU) will look to make their mark in front of scouts.
In the trenches, the West squad boasts some intriguing names - from interior defensive linemen like Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati) and Albert Regis (Texas A&M) to edge rushers such as Malachi Lawrence (UCF) and Tyreak Sapp (Florida). Offensive linemen like Riley Mahlman (Wisconsin) and Garrett DiGiorgio (UCLA) will be tasked with protecting the pocket and opening up lanes for backs like CJ Donaldson (Ohio State) and Roman Hemby (Indiana).
It’s a roster loaded with players looking to prove they belong at the next level - and with Cowboys coaches embedded on both sidelines, you can bet Dallas will be watching closely.
Whether it’s identifying a late-round gem or finding a culture fit who thrives in the team environment, the Shrine Bowl continues to be a proving ground - not just for players, but for coaches too. And for the Cowboys, it’s another strategic step in building a roster that can compete deep into January.