Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, 83, has stated he has no formal succession plan for the NFL franchise, but acknowledged that his son, Stephen Jones, is expected to assume control and will lead the team differently. "I just won’t be here to toss my two cents in," Jerry Jones told The Athletic.
Jones, who purchased the Cowboys 37 years ago for $140 million, has overseen the franchise's transformation into a team valued at an estimated $15.5 billion, according to Sportico. However, the team has not won a Super Bowl in 30 years, with their last appearance in a conference championship game occurring in 1995. Some fans have expressed concern that Jones's public persona has overshadowed the team's on-field performance.
Stephen Jones, 62, who has been described as his father's right-hand man, is expected to take the reins. Former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman suggested that Stephen's leadership will feel different from his father's. Darren Woodson, another former player, noted that Stephen might have a more decisive approach, stating, "I don’t think that leash will be as long with Stephen." Woodson alluded to the Cowboys making "emotional decisions" under Jerry Jones, suggesting Stephen may prioritize different criteria when retaining players.
Aikman believes Stephen's less ego-driven approach will benefit the team. Stephen himself has described differences in negotiation styles with his father, noting that Jerry is willing to concede more points to finalize a deal, while he himself might be more persistent. Jerry Jones admitted that his son has provided a valuable check over the years, saying Stephen possesses "more grace" in his approach, even when asserting himself strongly.
Both father and son have indicated a desire to keep the team within the family and are not considering selling the franchise. "We certainly don’t wanna think about that. We don’t want it to be that way," Stephen Jones said regarding the possibility of the Jones family no longer owning the Cowboys.