Cowboys’ Lunda Wells to Lead West Team at 2026 East–West Shrine Bowl in Frisco

The assignment gives Dallas hands-on evaluation time with draft prospects at its home facility.

Overview

The 101st Shrine Bowl kicks off Jan. 27 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, with coverage on NFL Network at 6 p.m. CT.
Cowboys defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton will serve as the East team’s defensive coordinator after recently interviewing for Dallas’s defensive coordinator vacancy.
The West roster features quarterbacks Haynes King and Mark Gronowski, running back Roman Hemby, and wideout Malik Benson among other draft-eligible standouts.
Wells’s week as West head coach offers a short-term developmental role and closer scouting access that could inform the Cowboys’ April draft board.
Atlanta Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams has been selected to coach the East team.