FRISCO, Texas –While NFL clubs continue making hires for the coming year, the Cowboys aren't concerned that Will McClay will be one of them.
Team executive vice president Stephen Jones appeared on 105.3 FM in Dallas on Monday morning, and the very first questioned directed his way was about McClay, the Cowboys' highly-touted vice president of personnel.
McClay has been linked to the Houston Texans' vacant general manager job in recent days, though Jones did not think he would ultimately leave the Cowboys' organization.
"I'm assuming that Will's going to be here until I know something different," Jones said. "All indications are to me that he's wanting to remain here with the Cowboys."
The Texans are searching for a new general manager after Rick Smith took a leave of absence to help his wife in her battle against breast cancer. McClay has been named as one of several potential candidates for the opening, although on Sunday he released a statement saying he'd had no contact with the Texans organization.
"I haven't officially accepted or declined interview with Houston because I haven't talked to anyone from there," McClay said Sunday. "My intentions to interview or stay in Dallas won't be divulged until I speak with someone officially from Houston if they are interested, out of respect for both organizations and the process."
Regardless of whether that interview ever comes to pass, Jones was very complimentary of McClay, who has been a crucial member of the Cowboys' front office in recent seasons.
"I just know Will has done a great job for us here. We think the world of him," he said. "He works well, not only with obviously Jerry and myself, but he's certainly a fine leader back there in the scouting department and then he's got a great relationship with our coaching staff."
Reports from around the NFL indicated that Texans vice president of football operations Jimmy Raye III interviewed for Houston's vacancy on Monday, and Buffalo vice president of player personnel is set to interview Tuesday.
While it remains to be seen if McClay gets a look at the job, Jones reiterated his confidence that he will stay in place with the Cowboys.
"We obviously feel good and feel great that we have Will here," he said. "We think the world of him, and all indications that I can see are that he's going to be here."
