The Dallas Cowboys have found their new head coach, and they didn’t have to look far. The team announced on Friday that offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will take over the role, replacing Mike McCarthy. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made the decision after a short search process, interviewing only a few candidates.
Brian Schottenheimer Named Cowboys’ Head Coach
The Cowboys made the official announcement on Friday, confirming that Brian Schottenheimer, the team’s offensive coordinator for the past two seasons, will now lead the team. Speaking about the decision, Jones told ESPN:
“Brian Schottenheimer is known as a career assistant. He ain’t no assistant anymore. He is now known as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.”
Schottenheimer will be formally introduced as head coach at a news conference on Monday at noon ET.
A Limited Coaching Search
Unlike other teams searching for a new head coach, the Cowboys considered only a small pool of candidates. Schottenheimer interviewed twice—on Tuesday and Wednesday—before securing the job. The team also interviewed:
- Robert Saleh (Former New York Jets head coach)
- Kellen Moore (Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator)
- Leslie Frazier (Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach)
Former Cowboys legend Deion Sanders also spoke with Jones about the position, but their discussions never progressed beyond an initial conversation.
Schottenheimer’s Journey to the Top
At 51 years old, Brian Schottenheimer has been involved in football for decades. He previously worked as an offensive coordinator for several teams, including:
- New York Jets (2006-2011)
- St. Louis Rams (2012-2014)
- Seattle Seahawks (2018-2020)
Before joining the Cowboys, he was the passing game coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars under Urban Meyer. His coaching experience also includes working with his late father, Marty Schottenheimer, a respected longtime NFL coach.
Interestingly, this is Schottenheimer’s first head coaching opportunity in the NFL. The last time he interviewed for a top role was back in 2013, when he spoke with the Jaguars.
Cowboys’ Offensive Struggles in 2023
When Schottenheimer took over as offensive coordinator, expectations were high. In 2023, the Cowboys led the league in scoring, averaging 29.9 points per game. However, this season was a different story. The team struggled, finishing 21st in scoring, largely due to Dak Prescott’s injury. The quarterback suffered a partial tendon avulsion in his right hamstring in November, which sidelined him for the rest of the season.
The Cowboys ended the year with a 7-10 record, leading to McCarthy’s departure. Jones wasted no time in launching a search for a replacement, ultimately deciding to promote from within.
Final NFL Coaching Vacancy: New Orleans Saints
With the Cowboys filling their head coach position, the New Orleans Saints remain the only team without a head coach. The Saints are expected to finalize their decision soon as teams prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft and offseason training.
Brian Schottenheimer now faces the challenge of reviving the Cowboys’ offense and leading the team back to playoff contention. With his deep coaching experience and familiarity with the team, he will be under pressure to deliver results quickly.
The Dallas Cowboys have chosen Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach, promoting him from offensive coordinator. Despite a rough season and offensive struggles, team owner Jerry Jones believes Schottenheimer is the right person to turn things around.
With this move, the Cowboys are aiming to rebuild their offensive strength and compete at a higher level in the upcoming NFL season. Now, all eyes are on Schottenheimer as he prepares to lead one of the most high-profile teams in football.
