Cowboys Legend DeMarcus Ware Returns as Assistant Coach to Chase NFC Title

Dallas, TX – June 28, 2025

DeMarcus Ware, a Dallas Cowboys defensive icon, is making a triumphant return as an assistant defensive coach, sources confirmed Saturday. This move aims to bolster the team’s pursuit of the NFC East title and a potential Super Bowl run in the 2025 season, tapping into Ware’s legendary pass-rushing expertise under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

Ware, a nine-time Pro Bowler and 2016 Hall of Fame inductee, retired in 2017 after a stellar 12-year career, including nine seasons with the Cowboys (2005-2013). He amassed 138.5 sacks, 138 tackles for loss, and 32 forced fumbles, with 117 of those sacks coming in Dallas. His 2010 season, where he led the NFL with 15.5 sacks, earned him First-Team All-Pro honors. After winning a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in 2016, Ware has expressed a longing to give back to the franchise that launched his career. “I’m back where my heart is,” Ware told The Dallas Morning News. “I want to help this team win it all.”

Joining Schottenheimer’s staff, Ware will mentor the defensive line, focusing on edge rushers like Micah Parsons and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku. The Cowboys, coming off a 7-10 season in 2024 hampered by injuries, are in “win-now” mode with $32 million in cap space, per recent reports. The departure of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and the addition of new talent, including free agent Dante Fowler Jr., set the stage for Ware’s return to refine a pass rush ranked 19th league-wide last year.

Schottenheimer, who praised Ware’s “relentless energy,” sees his experience as key against NFC East rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles. “DeMarcus’ vision will elevate our defense,” he said. Ware’s role includes designing pressure packages to counter mobile quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, a critical edge in divisional play.

Fans on social media are ecstatic, with #WareReturns trending and posts like “DeMarcus coaching Parsons? Championship locked!” The Cowboys’ young defense, bolstered by Ware’s tutelage, could challenge the Eagles’ dominance. As OTAs approach, his comeback ignites hope for a title run, blending his legacy with a new chapter of success at AT&T Stadium.