After the 2024 season, many thought the Dallas Cowboys would keep head coach Mike McCarthy. Owner Jerry Jones made it clear it was a possibility, and many players even voiced their support for McCarthy. However, the two sides could not come to an agreement and the coaching search was on. We haven’t heard much from the coaching search but late Friday night, the team announced they have found their next head coach. Long-time coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has been hired to coach the Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys Hire Brian Schottenheimer
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Dallas Cowboys will be hiring Brian Schottenheimer, who was the offensive coordinator last year for the team. He joined the organization in 2022 as a coaching analyst before being promoted. Schottenheimer has been around the league for a long time. He was the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets from 2006 to 2011 and the St. Louis Rams from 2012 to 2014. Since 1997, he has filled various roles on NFL and college football teams.
For the Dallas Cowboys, this hire is all about continuity. The offense will not change much, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. While this season was rough because of injuries, they led the league in points per game in 2023, with Dak Prescott throwing a league-leading 36 touchdowns. CeeDee Lamb is still one of the best receivers in the NFL, and some upgrades this offseason should get the Cowboys back atop the league in terms of offense.
The Right Hire?
This is a curious hire for the Dallas Cowboys. Other teams are getting coaches from the best teams in the league or former Super Bowl-winning head coaches. Jones decided to hire internally, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but this hire feels very uninspiring. This is what the billionaire owner had to say about his new head coach.
“Brian Schottenheimer is known as a career assistant. He ain’t Brian no more. He is now known as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.”
This is a very confusing quote. Is he changing his name now that he coaches the Cowboys? I get the essence of what he is getting at, but it doesn’t do much to inspire confidence from the fanbase. Time will tell whether this is the right hire. We’ve seen coaches get hyped only to fizzle out in the position. There is immense pressure on the team to do well. The team hasn’t made an NFC Championship in ages despite touting some of the most talent in the league.
Final Thoughts
The Dallas Cowboys continue to make some head-scratching moves. However, any coaching hire cannot be judged until we see the product he puts on the field. The NFC East is loaded going into next year. Even the Giants are going to be a tough out. If the Cowboys fall flat, Jones will be under heavy fire again for his coaching hire.
