If Troy Aikman ever takes on a role in an NFL front office, he already knows which coach he would target first: San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Aikman has made clear that he believes Shanahan is an exceptional coach—and that he would be willing to pay what it takes to bring him in.
“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 said. “Because I think he’s that good. And yes, I’ve always believed this, but coaching matters. It has an impact on an organization, and we’ve seen that in San Francisco.”
This is not a new opinion for the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback. Aikman said last year that Shanahan would be his choice if he were a general manager with the ability to hire anyone, adding that he had held that view for years.
## Why Shanahan stands out to Aikman
Shanahan’s reputation is built in large part on his offensive system and play-calling. CBS Sports ranked him the second-best offensive play-caller in the league entering 2026, behind Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay. The assessment could look different later in the season, as Shanahan has continued to challenge opposing defenses with his approach.
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has also praised Shanahan’s ability to create difficult problems for defenses. “Nobody’s going to put the spin on it like Kyle does,” Ryans said. “If you’re not on it and you’re not sound in what you’re doing, you can get exposed very quickly.”
Over his 10 seasons as San Francisco’s head coach, Shanahan has helped restore the 49ers to prominence. The franchise was a dominant force in the 1980s and early 1990s, and it has again become a serious contender under his leadership. The team has also remained competitive despite injuries to multiple players, with Shanahan guiding the 49ers to the playoffs through difficult stretches.
The 49ers are now considered favorites to win Super Bowl LXI. Shanahan’s impact can also be seen beyond San Francisco: Mike LaFleur is the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach, while Mike McDaniel is the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive coordinator.
Shanahan and McVay are tied for the second-longest tenure among active NFL head coaches. Both trail Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who is in his 14th season. One major distinction remains: Shanahan has yet to win a Super Bowl.
## Could Aikman join the Cowboys’ front office?
Aikman’s interest in Shanahan has drawn added attention amid speculation that he could move into an NFL front-office position after leaving ESPN. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has indicated that hiring Aikman is possible.
“I could and would,” Jones said when asked about bringing Aikman into the organization, adding, “Don’t rule it out. It is very possible.” Jones has also described Aikman as capable of taking on a range of roles.
Aikman, however, has been cautious about the prospect. “I would welcome any conversation with Jerry, and quite honestly, I don’t know if there ever would be an opportunity,” he said.
Not everyone expects the arrangement to be straightforward. Former Cowboys lineman Nate Newton has suggested that Aikman could clash with the way the franchise is managed, which he characterized as a “dictatorship.”
The cost of hiring Shanahan could be another consideration. The 49ers quietly extended his contract during the offseason, although the terms have not been made public. Jones has said he is not reluctant to spend on coaches, noting that he has “five wells that cost more than any coach I know of, each one of them, in the NFL.”
Dallas has reasons to consider changes. The Cowboys are 4-5 after defeating the Indianapolis Colts 27-23 last Sunday, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer is already facing pressure in his second season with the team.
Aikman’s preferred coaching candidate will soon be in Dallas in person. Shanahan and the 49ers are scheduled to visit AT&T Stadium on Sunday, giving the Cowboys a direct look at the coach Aikman believes could make a major difference. Whether Aikman eventually takes a front-office role—and whether Dallas would pursue Shanahan—remains uncertain. For now, Aikman has made his preferred choice clear.
