FRISCO, Texas – On Friday, the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl practices began at the Star in Frisco.
The West team was led out by Cowboys TEs coach Lunda Wells, who is serving as their head coach for the week. In his first experience as a head coach, he's learning that a lot of the coaching elements are the same.
"The biggest thing doing the head coaching part is organizing the scheduling, making sure the day flows smoothly, make sure the practice flows smoothly," Wells said. "Outside of that, when you get between the white lines, it's no different than me coaching the tight ends. It's just football."
Wells' coaching philosophy has drawn from many of the coaches he's played for and worked under. It began with his father in peewee football, and extended all the way to the likes of former Giants head coach Tom Coughlin. Everything he learned revolves around being a good teacher for his players.
"I truly believe the football field is a classroom to teach young men life skills through football," Wells said. "Outside of that, I'm very intentional, very persistent and consistent with things that I'm teaching them. And then ultimately, I'm a connector."
"I think being a coach/teacher, you've got to be able to connect with your guys because it's all about player to coach, coach to player relationship and developing that chemistry because as things come up, you can be able to go to each other and lean on each other and get through the tough times while you build for good times."
This week, Wells gets the unique opportunity of being around these collegiate prospects for the course of an entire week, both on and off the field. It's certainly an advantage both for him, and the Cowboys for having additional information on prospects that they normally wouldn't have.
"Any time you can get your hands on the guys, it's best," Wells said. "It's almost like you're trying to buy a horse. Going and seeing that horse and riding that horse is a little bit better than just seeing the picture and the video. With being here and working it, you're able to get stuff that you can't get off of tape."
"How does a guy interact with you? How does a guy interact with his teammates? How does he interact with the kitchen staff? Things that you don't get on tape, you're able to pick up with being around them, and I think those are quality things that you can really take forward and utilize during the evaluation process."
Wells has been the Cowboys' tight ends coach since 2020. Going into last season, he signed a contract extension with the team. Earlier in the month, Wells interviewed with the Washington Commanders for their then-vacant offensive coordinator position. While moving up is a goal, he's focused right now on where his feet are.
"Obviously you want growth and opportunities, but I think right now the only thing I've thought about is just doing an excellent job here, representing the Shriners, this prestigious charity event, and then also representing the Dallas Cowboys," Wells said. "I'm kind of just locked in to just this moment right now."
