In a move that caught many by surprise, the Dallas Cowboys have named Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach. Schottenheimer, who served as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2023, becomes the 10th head coach in the franchise’s 65-year history. While he wasn’t considered a frontrunner for the job, his familiarity with the team and extensive coaching experience made him an appealing option for owner Jerry Jones.
This hiring decision has sparked debate, as Schottenheimer has never been a head coach at the NFL level and has not been a major name in recent coaching searches. However, his background, connections, and ability to maintain continuity with quarterback Dak Prescott were likely key factors in Jones’ decision.
Brian Schottenheimer’s Coaching Background
Schottenheimer has been coaching in the NFL since 1997, with brief stints in the college ranks. His career has included offensive coordinator roles with the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars. While his offenses have rarely ranked among the league’s best, he has worked alongside respected defensive-minded coaches such as Rex Ryan, Jeff Fisher, and Pete Carroll, gaining valuable experience.
In Dallas, Schottenheimer took over as offensive coordinator in 2023 but did not call plays, as those duties remained with former head coach Mike McCarthy. With McCarthy’s departure, Schottenheimer will now have full control of the team’s offensive approach.
Impact on Dak Prescott and the Offense
One of the biggest reasons for Schottenheimer’s promotion appears to be his connection with quarterback Dak Prescott. In 2023, Prescott had a career-best season, leading the NFL with 36 touchdown passes and finishing as the runner-up for MVP. However, his 2024 campaign was significantly worse, and an injury in Week 9 ended his season early.
With Schottenheimer now in charge, the goal will be to recapture the offensive success of 2023 and get Prescott back to peak form. The Cowboys struggled to run the ball in 2024, ranking 27th in rushing yards. Under Schottenheimer, a stronger emphasis on the ground game is expected, meaning Dallas could target a top running back in free agency or the NFL Draft.
Why Deion Sanders Wasn’t the Pick
Throughout the Cowboys’ coaching search, Deion Sanders was frequently linked to the position. As a former Cowboys cornerback and a charismatic leader, Sanders generated significant buzz as a potential candidate. However, his lack of experience at the NFL level and the demanding nature of coaching in Dallas likely made him a risky choice at this stage in his career.
Additionally, Sanders’ strong personality may have clashed with Jerry Jones, who prefers coaches who won’t challenge his authority. While Sanders could be a viable candidate for the Cowboys in the future, the timing wasn’t right for this hiring cycle.
The Schottenheimer Legacy: Can Brian Change the Narrative?
Brian Schottenheimer’s father, the late Marty Schottenheimer, was a highly respected NFL coach who won 200 regular-season games but never won a Super Bowl. Marty was known for his “Schottenheimerball” philosophy, which emphasized a strong running game and conservative play-calling.
Despite more than 50 years of combined coaching experience, neither Schottenheimer has ever coached in a Super Bowl. Brian now has the opportunity to change that narrative, but he inherits a team that is facing major questions, including its inability to break through in the playoffs.
What This Means for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ Future
Jerry Jones remains the driving force behind the Cowboys’ decisions, and this hire reinforces his control over the franchise. Unlike a high-profile candidate such as Bill Belichick, Schottenheimer is unlikely to challenge Jones’ authority.
However, the move has been met with skepticism from Cowboys fans, who had hoped for a more proven coach. Many believe Jones should have retained Mike McCarthy, who was well-liked in the locker room, or pursued a big-name hire such as Belichick or former Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Given the nature of this hiring process, there is speculation that Schottenheimer’s tenure may be short-lived. If the team struggles early in 2025, Jones could once again be searching for a new head coach.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
The Cowboys enter the 2025 offseason with key roster decisions to make. Running back is a clear area of need, with Rico Dowdle hitting free agency and Dallas ranking near the bottom of the league in rushing last season. Prospects such as former Boise State star Ashton Jeanty or North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton could be potential draft targets.
Additionally, Schottenheimer will need to ensure wide receiver CeeDee Lamb remains a focal point of the offense. Lamb had a record-breaking 2023 season but saw a drop in production in 2024, partly due to injuries. Schottenheimer’s offensive history suggests a greater emphasis on the run game, which could impact Lamb’s target volume.
For now, Schottenheimer has a chance to prove himself in a high-pressure role. Whether he can succeed remains to be seen, but the Cowboys are betting on continuity and familiarity rather than a major shake-up.
