Troy Aikman names NFL coach he’d most want to hire as rumors swirl over potential Cowboys role amid ESPN tension

Published: 08:56 EST, 14 November 2026 | Updated: 08:58 EST, 14 November 2026

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman has named the current NFL head coach he would immediately try to hire if he ever lands a major front office role.

The legendary quarterback sparked intense speculation after admitting he would ruthlessly attempt to poach San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Aikman’s surprising comments arrive as rumors continue to aggressively swirl regarding a potential move to the Cowboys front office amid ongoing tension at his current network.

During a Thursday appearance on Dallas’ 96.7 ‘The Ticket’ radio show, the 59-year-old was pressed on his ultimate aspirations to build a championship coaching staff.

‘If I was in a position to hire someone as a head coach, [the] first call I’d make is to the 49ers and say, ‘How much is it going to take to get Kyle Shanahan?’ Aikman revealed.

Shanahan has proven himself as one of the NFL’s smartest minds, which has clearly caught Aikman’s attention as he actively considers his next career move.

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman has named the current NFL head coach he would immediately try to hire if he ever lands a major front office role

The legendary quarterback sparked intense speculation after admitting he would ruthlessly attempt to poach San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan

‘Because I think he’s that good. And yes, I’ve always believed this, but coaching matters and it has an impact on an organization,’ the Monday Night Football analyst added.

Aikman is currently dealing with ongoing contract disputes with ESPN, leaving many to expect he will walk away from his lucrative broadcasting role after the current season.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently fueled the front office rumors, confirming he would absolutely love to hire the legendary franchise quarterback for a prominent executive position.

‘Yes. I could and would,’ Jerry Jones admitted as much last month when asked if he would bring Aikman back to Dallas for a ‘major significant role’ if he was interested.

While Shanahan is still firmly under contract with San Francisco, Aikman’s public admiration only adds further fuel to the swirling rumors surrounding his highly anticipated next chapter.

The 59-year-old former Dallas Cowboys QB is currently locked in an ongoing and tense contract dispute as he desperately awaits a lucrative new deal from ESPN.

Neither Aikman nor broadcast partner Joe Buck has addressed the reported feud publicly, although the former Cowboys star did acknowledge his uncertain future in a recent interview.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently fueled the front office rumors, confirming he would absolutely love to hire the legendary franchise quarterback for a prominent executive position

The 59-year-old former Dallas Cowboys QB is currently locked in an ongoing and tense contract dispute as he desperately awaits a lucrative new deal from ESPN

‘As I’m into my last year at ESPN, I’m realizing that this is something that could very well be taken away from me,’ Aikman told Dallas Cowboys insider Mike Fisher.

‘For the first time, I’m realizing how much I really do – I’ve always enjoyed it. I’ve always known that. But until you risk having something taken away from you, I think sometimes you tend to maybe take things for granted.

‘And so, for the first time probably in my career, I’m realizing, you know, this is a great profession. It’s been a great ride for me, and I hope it’s not over. Time will tell.

‘But, yeah. So, we’ll see. I’m excited about what the rest of this year holds, and I’m excited to finally get back into the booth for a Super Bowl.’