Troy Aikman Open to Cowboys Front Office Role as ESPN Contract Nears End

Troy Aikman says he would seriously consider a front office role with the Dallas Cowboys if owner Jerry Jones approached him, and he acknowledged that his broadcasting career "could very well be taken away from me." The comments, made to Mike Fisher of Cowboys Roundtable, come as speculation about Aikman's future with ESPN and Monday Night Football has grown in recent weeks.

Aikman signals interest in a Cowboys role

Aikman told Fisher he would "welcome any conversation" with Jones, while adding that he did not know whether an opportunity would arise. "If Jerry came to me and felt that, in his heart, I could lend some services that would help make them better, I would," Aikman said. He added that he would have "a hard time not taking a good look" at such an offer.

Jones addressed the subject on Wednesday at the conclusion of the NFL owners meeting in New York. He said he pays "a lot of attention" to Aikman's situation and described him as capable of handling a range of football roles. "I don't know of any area, short of getting back out on the field, that Troy Aikman wouldn't be qualified and competent to go into," Jones said.

Aikman also said he would meet Jones for a meal at any time. "It wouldn't necessarily have to be because it's a job interview," he said. Aikman, 59, was the Cowboys' first-round pick and played 12 seasons for the franchise, winning three Super Bowls. He described their relationship as "complicated" but "built, I believe, on respect."

Tension with ESPN and Joe Buck

Front Office Sports has reported tension between Aikman and his Monday Night Football partner, Joe Buck, and said the two had an argument before a recent Rams-Bills game. Front Office Sports also reported that Aikman has no formal, ongoing consulting agreement with the Dolphins. Aikman served as a Miami consultant last offseason, a role that was limited to the team's general manager and head coach searches, according to that outlet.

Aikman's contract with ESPN runs until the network's Super Bowl broadcast. Hans Schroeder, the NFL's executive vice president and chief media officer, said on Wednesday that the league had "no concern" about Aikman's issues with Buck and ESPN. The NFL has placed restrictions on Aikman's ability to enter other teams' facilities or attend practices before Monday night games, according to NBC Sports.

Reflecting on his broadcasting career

Aikman said that with his final year at ESPN underway, he has come to appreciate broadcasting more. "Until you risk having something taken away from you, I think sometimes you tend to maybe take things for granted," he said. He added that he hopes the broadcasting career is not over and said he is looking forward to returning to the booth for a Super Bowl, which would be the first since the network last called one eight years ago.

NBC Sports noted that CBS has already chosen J.J. Watt as the full-time replacement for Tony Romo, which could leave fewer high-profile broadcast openings for Aikman in 2027. The outlet also said that Greg Olsen's current role as Fox's No. 2 announcer could be a possible fit if Aikman wants to keep calling games. Reports have not confirmed why ESPN's relationship with Aikman has changed, and no contract terms for his next deal have been officially announced.

What we know so far

Aikman has publicly said he is open to a Cowboys front office role and to talks with Jones, and Jones has praised his qualifications. No agreement or offer has been announced. Aikman's ESPN contract ends after the Super Bowl broadcast, and his future in the booth and in football operations remains unsettled.