Kelli Finglass Considers Leaving Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders for Family

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders director Kelli Finglass expressed openness to stepping down after 35 seasons with the squad, citing a desire to spend more time with her family as she looks ahead to potential future grandchildren.

Finglass, who danced for the organization from 1984 to 1989 before taking over as head coach in 1991, reflected on her long tenure, the impact of increased media visibility, and shifting her leadership focus away from absolute perfection.

Speaking on the emotional toll of public judgment and social media commentary surrounding the team in an interview with Vanity Fair, Finglass acknowledged the power of public feedback.

"The words of people, while they can be very, very uplifting... Like in my personal case with my skin cancer journey, the people that reached out to me were extremely supportive," Finglass said.

The intense spotlight on the squad expanded further after Netflix's docuseries "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" reached the top 10 streaming list across 22 countries, securing a fourth season renewal slated for 2027.

"Words can hurt and they can also heal. I’m trusting humanity to help figure this one out because it’s a much bigger thing than I can solve. But the girls being busy and focused and supportive of each other is where our strength will remain," Finglass said.

Outside of her professional commitments, Finglass shares two adult children, Samantha and Ryan, with her husband Joel Finglass. While neither child joined the cheerleading squad, Samantha previously worked in marketing for the team while Ryan operates as a Texas-based financial advisor.

"I spent practically my whole career trying to create flawless performances, and what we’ve learned through TV is that vulnerability is actually more attractive. People love when they can relate to somebody, and that’s been an unexpected “aha” for me—for these girls to not project perfection, but rather be honest about their victories and honest about their struggles, has, I hope, given viewers something to find hope in and find something they can relate to," Finglass said.

Addressing how decades of demanding work schedules shaped her domestic life, Finglass noted that her perspective on parenting and sports management remained deeply intertwined throughout her career.

"I think being a mum is hopefully making me a better coach, and being a coach has helped me be a decent mom," Finglass said.

As she weighs the ultimate timeline for her departure, Finglass clarified that her potential exit will stem from personal priorities rather than external pressure.

"I have, but we’re so busy, we don’t have time to think about anything except the next hour. It would be a personal decision. I’ve sacrificed a lot of time with my family.

My daughter is married, my son is in a relationship, and when I ever get the honor to be a grandma…I want that time if and when I have grandchildren. That would definitely give me a heartfelt reason to go to a new chapter," Finglass said.

"I have, but we’re so busy, we don’t have time to think about anything except the next hour," Finglass said.

"It would be a personal decision. I’ve sacrificed a lot of time with my family," Finglass said.

"My daughter is married, my son is in a relationship, and when I ever get the honor to be a grandma… I want that time if and when I have grandchildren," Finglass said.

"That would definitely give me a heartfelt reason to go to a new chapter," Finglass said.

"I spent practically my whole career trying to create flawless performances, and what we’ve learned through TV is that vulnerability is actually more attractive," Finglass said.

"People love when they can relate to somebody, and that’s been an unexpected ‘aha’ for me, for these girls to not project perfection, but rather be honest about their victories and honest about their struggles," Finglass said.

"Words can hurt and they can also heal," Finglass said.

"But the girls being busy and focused and supportive of each other is where our strength will remain," Finglass said.

"I've sacrificed a lot of time with my family," Finglass said.

"When your best friend marries her best friend, and your best friends all join the celebration! Congrats, Sam and John!!!" Finglass wrote.