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Cowboys Fans Bracing for Big Loss After NFL Development
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- Cowboys Fans Bracing for Big Loss After NFL Development
It was an up-and-down campaign for Brian Schottenheimer in his first season as the Dallas Cowboys head coach. The Cowboys ultimately missed out on the NFL playoffs after finishing the season with a 7-9-1 record, but there's no denying that there were a number of high points that highlighted Schottenheimer's first year at the helm.
Schottenheimer and the Cowboys' front office, however, are now in danger of losing a key piece in their coaching ranks. Tight ends coach Lunda Wells, who just completed his sixth season in Dallas, could be on the move as a significant promotion away from the Cowboys looms for the 42-year-old.
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Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells against the Los Angeles Rams.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
As expected, there has been a flurry of coaching moves across the NFL now that the season has ended for the non-playoff-bound teams. One significant development is within the Washington Commanders ' coaching ranks.
It was reported on Tuesday that the Commanders are parting ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury reportedly met with head coach Dan Quinn, and the split was mutually agreed.
On Thursday, ESPN's Todd Archer reported that Wells has emerged as a candidate to replace Kingsbury as Washington's new OC. According to Archer, the Commanders have already requested permission to interview Wells .
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This development has Cowboys fans bracing for the loss of a crucial member of Schottenheimer's coaching staff.
"gang why do they always want OUR ppl," a comment on X read.
"YO GO TALK TO MIKE MCDANIEL DQ PLAYING WITH MY TOP MAN," another said .
"We are not doing this again.." declared a supporter.
"The Washington cowboys I swear all they do is poach our team," a reaction read.
"Quietly has done an amazing job -- hoping he can stick around," said another.
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"NOOOO!!! Please sweet baby Jesus do NOT let them take Lunda Wells bruh!!! Smh," a fan wrote .
As indicated in some of the reactions, this would not be the first time Quinn and the Commanders have hired a coach from the Cowboys. Quinn, who served as defensive coordinator at Dallas between 2021 and 2023, brought Joe Whitt Jr. with him as his new DC after Quinn accepted the head coaching role with the Commanders.
Wells worked with Quinn during the latter's time with the Cowboys, and this relationship could play a key role in Wells' potential move to Washington.
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It is important to note that the Cowboys might not have much of a say in all this. NFL rules stipulate that Dallas cannot block the interview or the subsequent move. This would be considered a promotion for Wells, which means that the Cowboys have no choice but to let him go if the Commanders offer him the OC role.
Related: Cowboys Announce Roster Moves After Missing NFL Playoffs
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
