There’s never been much warmth between the Cowboys and Eagles, and this latest development just adds another log to the fire.
According to reports, the Cowboys have denied the Eagles’ request to interview Klayton Adams for their offensive coordinator vacancy. On the surface, it might look like a lateral move-Adams already holds the OC title in Dallas-but there’s an important distinction here: he doesn’t call plays for the Cowboys. In Philadelphia, that role comes with the keys to the offense, as Nick Sirianni handed over play-calling duties to his offensive coordinator midway through the 2021 season.
Still, NFL rules give teams the right to block lateral moves for coaches under contract, and the Cowboys exercised that right. That decision keeps Adams in Dallas-for now.
Adams, 42, took over as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator in 2025 under Brian Schottenheimer, but his NFL journey dates back to 2019. That’s when he entered the league as an assistant offensive line coach with the Colts, working under then-offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni.
That connection is likely what sparked the Eagles’ interest. Adams and Sirianni go way back, and their paths have crossed more than once.
After two seasons working with the Colts’ offensive line, Adams was promoted to tight ends coach in 2021, the same year Sirianni took over in Philly. Adams then moved up to offensive line coach for the Colts before joining the Cardinals in 2023, where he worked under Jonathan Gannon-another former Colts coach turned Eagles defensive coordinator. That Indy coaching tree runs deep, and Adams has been a part of it from the start.
In 2025, Adams got a bump up the ladder, joining Schottenheimer’s staff in Dallas. The results?
Impressive. The Cowboys finished the season ranked second in total offense and seventh in scoring.
Their passing game was particularly potent, also ranking second in the league. The offense clicked, even if the defense couldn’t hold up its end of the bargain.
So it’s no surprise the Eagles came calling. They’re looking for a new offensive coordinator after parting ways with Kevin Patullo following just one season.
That makes five OCs in six years for Sirianni-a revolving door that’s becoming a storyline of its own. And while the Eagles are reportedly focusing on candidates with ties to Sirianni, the Cowboys clearly weren’t interested in helping a division rival fill that spot with one of their own.
For now, Adams stays in Dallas, the Eagles keep searching, and the NFC East rivalry finds yet another off-field twist to keep things spicy.