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"Football's Greatest Mind": Jerry Jones Teases Handing Front Office To Cowboys Legend 1
Jerry Jones has known Troy Aikman for decades, dating back to the 1989 NFL Draft when the Dallas Cowboys selected him first overall. Aikman spent 12 seasons in Dallas, won three Super Bowls and became one of the most important players in franchise history. Their relationship has remained a subject of interest long after Aikman left the field.
Now, as Aikman prepares to consider life beyond ESPN, questions about his next move have returned to Dallas.
Jerry Jones Gives Intriguing Answer on Troy Aikman’s Front Office Future
Jones has again endorsed Aikman’s ability to work in an NFL front office, calling the Hall of Fame quarterback qualified for nearly any football role. Jones has not announced an offer or plans to bring him back to Dallas.
Jerry Jones Gives Intriguing Answer on Troy Aikman's Front Office Future
Oct 16, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (right) talks with former quarterback Troy Aikman before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“Well, that’s a loaded question,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan, according to The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “(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.”
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones didn’t give a direct answer when asked on @1053thefan about Troy Aikman one day being part of Dallas’ front office. Jones: “Well, that’s a loaded question. (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.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 23, 2026
For the second time this month, Jones brought up the possibility of Aikman taking on a front-office executive role. While attending a meeting with fellow team owners in New York, Jones expressed immense confidence in Aikman, stating that he possesses the skills and qualifications necessary to succeed in virtually any football operations position.
“I don’t know of any area that Troy wouldn’t be qualified and competent to go into,” Jones said.
Aikman played 12 seasons in Dallas, won three Super Bowls and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Jones drafted him first overall in 1989.
Troy Aikman’s Next Move Could Put Cowboys Back in the Conversation
Aikman said he will broadcast through this season and become a free agent afterward. His ESPN contract expires after the network’s Super Bowl coverage in February 2027, and he plans to consider his next step.
Jerry Jones Gives Intriguing Answer on Troy Aikman's Front Office Future
Oct 16, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys former quarterback Troy Aikman (center), Los Angeles Chargers vice chairman Michael Spanos (center) and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talk at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aikman advised the Miami Dolphins during their search for a general manager and head coach. Front Office Sports reported he has no formal, ongoing consulting agreement with the team, leaving broadcasting or another NFL role among the possibilities.
A Dallas return could bring complications. Aikman has criticized Jones’ approach to running the Cowboys and making football decisions, raising questions about whether the owner would give him meaningful authority. No offer has been reported, and Jones’ remarks remain an endorsement, not a hiring announcement.
For now, Aikman’s options remain open. With his ESPN deal nearing its end, Jones’ repeated praise has brought a Cowboys reunion into the conversation.
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