The Dallas Cowboys aimed to secure a prominent coach from the Oregon Ducks staff, but their target, Ducks running backs coach Ra’Shaad Samples, has chosen to remain in Eugene. Samples declined the Cowboys’ offer to take on the same position, prompting new head coach Brian Schottenheimer to continue searching for staff members elsewhere.
On Monday, Samples simply posted, “#GoDucks,” signifying his commitment to staying on Dan Lanning’s staff. Later, Dallas reporter Nick Harris confirmed that Samples will indeed remain with the Ducks. “Oregon RBs coach Ra’Shaad Samples interviewed yesterday and was a top target but will stay back in Eugene,” Harris stated.
In the end, the Cowboys hired Derrick Foster for the role after he had time on the New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff. Meanwhile, the Cowboys and the Ducks find themselves in contrasting positions. Oregon completed an undefeated regular season in their first year in the Big Ten Conference and won the conference title, though they faced a setback by losing to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Despite this disappointing end, they are well-equipped and aiming for a return to the Playoff in 2025.
In contrast, the Dallas Cowboys have not met expectations in nearly three decades, failing to reach the NFC Championship Game since the 1995-96 season, which was also the last time the franchise captured the Super Bowl.
