Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says coach salaries do not affect team success
Jerry Jones claimed there is no correlation between how much NFL coaches are paid and winning, a statement analysts say contradicts evidence from other teams.
Dallas – Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones told Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan that, after reviewing data from all 32 NFL teams, he believes there is "zero correlation" between a coach’s salary and a team’s winning record. Jones added that the finding should be considered when evaluating coaching investments.
Analysts noted that several recent coaching hires challenge Jones’s assertion. Andy Reid’s tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, Sean Payton’s impact on the Denver Broncos, and John Harbaugh’s work with the New York Giants have been cited as examples where higher-paid, proven coaches contributed to sustained success.
Jones also emphasized his willingness to consider unconventional hiring approaches, saying, "You can be pretty creative in hiring your coaches… I’ve had some good experience of hiring people who have never been in the NFL."
Critics argue that the statement overlooks the broader trend of increasing coaching compensation across the league and suggests that Jones’s reluctance to pay top market salaries may limit the Cowboys’ ability to attract established talent.
The discussion comes as the Cowboys evaluate the future of head coach Brian Schottenheimer, whose contract includes guaranteed money through 2027, and as other teams reportedly pursue high-paid coaches such as Mike Tomlin.