In Frisco, Texas, the 2024 reunion at the Dallas Cowboys isn’t just about Mike Zimmer and Ezekiel Elliott. Greg Ellis, the former eighth overall pick, now turned Pro Bowl defensive lineman, has also made his way back into the fold. Ellis has fought tooth and nail to land an NFL coaching gig, and fittingly, it’s with the team that drafted him, under the guidance of the coordinator who once coached him.
Ellis brings a unique perspective to the coaching staff, particularly when it comes to empathizing with the incoming rookie class, especially the top picks. Having experienced the pressure firsthand, Ellis understands what it takes to navigate the demands of the NFL, a quality that will be invaluable in mentoring players like defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, whom Ellis will be directly responsible for developing.
Reflecting on his journey, Ellis acknowledges the challenges he faced, especially in balancing his desire to coach with his commitment to his family. Despite the urging of mentors like Zimmer and Bill Parcells to pursue coaching earlier, Ellis prioritized his family’s well-being over his career ambitions. It wasn’t until his children were older that he felt ready to embark on this new chapter.
Ellis’ path to coaching wasn’t straightforward. He started as a head coach at Texas College before moving to Southwestern Assemblies of God (SAGU), all while juggling the demands of family life. Even mundane tasks like
