Troy Aikman brutally admitted the Cowboys aren’t a desirable coaching destination

These days, most people know Troy Aikman as ESPN's lead NFL color commentator, one half of a stellar duo with play-by-play person Joe Buck. But once upon a time, Aikman was a Dallas Cowboys legend, winning three Super Bowls with the franchise in the 1990s as their starting quarterback.

Given Aikman's status in Dallas and importance to Cowboys lore, it's always jarring hearing him speak candidly about the organization. That's what made the Hall of Fame quarterback's comments on the Cowboys' new coaching search after moving on from Mike McCarthy so darn pointed.

Aikman almost never talks like this about his long-time team. If he feels the need to speak up, you know that's when matters are really grim.

RELATED: The Cowboys fittingly remain the only NFL team to lose to a No. 7 playoff seed so far. 

When asked to unpack the aftermath of McCarthy's official ouster, Aikman only projected confusion. He explained that he doesn't see much of a logical path or plan to win in Dallas. Everything is more or less done off the cuff, off vibes.

Even worse, Aikman implied that the overarching nature of owner Jerry Jones hanging over football operations was a significant hindrance. Jones' continued involvement would only impede the next great NFL coach from being authentic and themselves, with the Detroit Lions' fiery Dan Campbell cited as an example of someone who might have failed if he had coached the Cowboys instead.

To put a cherry on top of his main point, Aikman said the Cowboys' coaching job isn't desirable to top candidates. Oh, my goodness:

Folks, if Troy Aikman is talking like this about the Cowboys, you know it's grim in Dallas. Aikman seldom does this. But he doesn't believe in them because he doesn't see a consistent vision from Jones' organization, and he's not going to blow smoke up anyone's you-know-what.

Honestly, it's hard to disagree.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Troy Aikman brutally admitted the Cowboys aren’t a desirable coaching destination