ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently suggested several bold moves for NFL teams in the offseason, one of which stands out involving the Dallas Cowboys.
Barnwell proposed that the Cowboys offer Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson
a staggering five-year, $125 million contract to become their next head coach.
Barnwell notes that while the Cowboys are constrained by the salary cap for player contracts, they have no such limits when it comes to paying coaches. He argues that this often-overlooked area offers the Cowboys a unique opportunity.
“Paying Johnson such a substantial amount would be a bold investment and likely frustrate other teams,” Barnwell writes.
“But overall, coaches in the NFL are underpaid relative to their value. Given the Cowboys’ franchise valuation of over $10 billion, this could be a worthwhile gamble.
If it works, Johnson would be a steal; if it doesn’t, the Cowboys have the resources to absorb the cost.”
This proposal challenges the traditional view, where NFL coaches are often paid less than their worth, especially considering their influence on a team’s success.
For a franchise as wealthy as the Cowboys, such a high investment in coaching talent could represent a new direction in how organizations prioritize leadership roles.
Johnson has played a key role in shaping the Lions’ high-powered offense, making him one of the most sought-after coaching candidates in the league.
Barnwell believes that if the Cowboys are serious about elevating their team, offering Johnson a deal of this magnitude could be a game-changing move.
While it remains uncertain whether the Cowboys will act on this recommendation, such a bold offer could have a lasting impact on the NFL coaching landscape, setting new expectations for compensation in the coaching ranks.