Cowboys have a target for their new offensive line coach
[UPDATE]: Shortly after this article was published, it has been confirmed that the Cowboys are hiring Conor Riley as their offensive line coach.
Can confirm that the Dallas Cowboys are indeed hiring Kansas State OC/OL coach Conor Riley to coach the oline on Brian Schottenheimer’s staff.
Another highly touted get for Schotty— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) February 7, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys still have holes to fill on Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching staff, and a big one is the offensive line coach. A report today has Dallas targeting Kansas State offensive coordinator Conor Riley, who was the Wildcats’ o-line coach from 2019-2023. One of his top players during that run was Cooper Beebe, the Cowboys’ second-year interior lineman.
A Division II lineman himself for the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Riley immediately became an assistant coach there and eventually moved into Division I. He coached tight ends and fullbacks in 2013 at North Dakota State, then became their offensive line coach and run game coordinator through 2018.
SOURCES: The Dallas Cowboys are targeting K-State OC/O-line coach Conor Riley to become their new offensive line coach. Riley is one of the most respected O-line coaches in college football amongst his peers.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 7, 2025
Between all of Riley’s stops, Cooper Beebe would seem to be his best contribution to the pros. Taken in the third round of last year’s draft, Beebe was considered by many to be a steal when Dallas got him. The Cowboys used the 73rd overall pick, acquired in a first-round trade down with the Lions, to add Beebe to their rebuilding offensive line.
Beebe started all but one game as Dallas’ new center in 2024, having to sit out in December after a concussion. Unlike first-round pick Tyler Guyton at left tackle, Beebe hit the ground running and improved as the season went along. While we’re not entirely sure if it will still be at center or moving to guard, Beebe is sure to continue as a starter this year.
The Cowboys are looking to reemphasize the run in their 2025 offense, evidenced by the promotion of Brian Schottenheimer to head coach and hiring Cardinals o-line coach Klayton Adams as their new offensive coordinator. One of the only running backs they have under contract right now, Deuce Vaughn, is another K-State graduate who worked closely with Riley and had success.
We’ll see if this reported interest leads to a hire, but it makes sense given Conor Riley’s connection to some current Cowboys players and his reputation. The business of roster changes is soon to come, so getting the coaching staff finalized is the current top priority in Dallas.
