Ellis’s Journey from NFL Player to Cowboys’ Assistant Defensive Line Coach

A Dream Realized

Ellis’s journey to becoming an assistant defensive line coach for the Dallas Cowboys is a story of perseverance, dedication, and passion. Reflecting on his new role, Ellis expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s good to be on the other end. It’s good to have played here and to now coach here, for me, it’s really a dream come true.”

Balancing Family and Career

Ellis’s path to coaching was far from straightforward. After a successful 12-year career in the NFL, culminating with the Oakland Raiders, Ellis prioritized his family over immediate coaching opportunities. “My first opportunity to coach, I couldn’t take advantage of it,” he explained. “I wanted my kids to get a bit older. They’re older now so it works out well for my family and myself, to be involved with coaching.”

Despite encouragement from mentors like Mike Zimmer and Bill Parcells, Ellis chose to wait until his children were older before diving into coaching. His commitment to his family exemplifies the balance he strives to maintain between personal and professional responsibilities.

The First Steps in Coaching

Ellis began his coaching career as the head coach of Texas College in Tyler, Texas, a position that required him to commute more than two hours from his home in Southlake, Texas. He later moved closer to home, taking a head coaching role at Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) in Waxahachie, Texas.

Ellis’s dedication to his new career was evident in his willingness to handle even the most menial tasks, such as washing team uniforms. His hands-on approach and work ethic underscore his character and commitment to the sport.

Overcoming Adversity

Ellis’s resilience is a defining feature of his career. After suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon, he made a remarkable comeback, earning a Pro Bowl nod and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2007. This resilience translates into his coaching philosophy and the value he brings as a mentor.

“When people say, ‘He’s only here because he played for the Cowboys,’ I’m like nah, nah, I had to go through some stuff to get here,” Ellis noted. His journey from player to coach involved long commutes, performing mundane tasks, and proving himself at every level.

Returning to the Cowboys

Now back in Dallas, Ellis aims to rekindle the success he once had under the guidance of Mike Zimmer, but this time as a coach. “The biggest change with him is me being a coach, and me not playing for him,” Ellis said of Zimmer. “I have a tremendous respect for him from when I played for him, because he’s a tremendous teacher of the game.”

Ellis appreciates Zimmer’s demanding coaching style, understanding its effectiveness. “He holds coaches to be responsible. I’ve been around him long enough to know that whatever you tell him you’re going to do, he’s going to hold you to it,” Ellis remarked.

Guiding the Next Generation

As the Cowboys’ assistant defensive line coach, Ellis plays a crucial role in developing the team’s young talent. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the substance of coaching rather than the delivery method, especially for rookies adjusting to the professional level. “I’ve told the rookies already: It’s professional football. It’s the highest level you can go, so don’t get caught up in how the message is delivered. Understand we’re all working toward the same goal.”

Ellis, alongside newly-hired defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina, is responsible for mentoring players like Marshawn Kneeland and former first-round pick Mazi Smith. He is also tasked with guiding Sam Williams through a pivotal season in his career.

Embracing Pressure

Ellis thrives under pressure, a trait that has defined both his playing and coaching careers. As he steps into his role with the Cowboys, he remains unfazed by the challenges ahead. “If history has proven anything about Ellis, it’s that pressure is simply another day for him to prove he’s the right man for the job, whatever that job might be.”

Ellis’s journey from NFL player to assistant coach is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the game of football. His experiences and insights make him an invaluable asset to the Dallas Cowboys’ coaching staff, ready to inspire and lead the next generation of players.