NFL Insider: Amid Raiders rumors, Brian Schottenheimer is a Cowboys HC candidate.

NFL Insider: Amid Raiders Rumors, Brian Schottenheimer is a Cowboys HC Candidate

In the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, coaching searches are among the most dramatic and attention-grabbing events each offseason. Amid swirling rumors of potential coaching changes around the league, Brian Schottenheimer has emerged as a potential head coach candidate for the Dallas Cowboys, particularly in light of speculation surrounding the future of Mike McCarthy.

Schottenheimer, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience in offensive coordination, is no stranger to the pressures of being a head coach or working with a talented roster. Having served in various roles across multiple teams, including most recently as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator in 2023, Schottenheimer’s name has been brought up in coaching discussions due to the potential vacancy in Dallas following another playoff disappointment. With his connection to the Cowboys and his track record of success with offenses, Schottenheimer could be a serious candidate to take the reins from McCarthy if the Cowboys decide to part ways with their current head coach.

At the same time, Schottenheimer’s name has also been linked with the Las Vegas Raiders, another team that is facing uncertainty at the head coaching position. With the Raiders’ underwhelming performance in 2023 and Josh McDaniels’ firing, Schottenheimer’s name has come up as a possible candidate to take over in Vegas, adding another layer of intrigue to his future.

In this article, we’ll explore why Schottenheimer has emerged as a potential candidate for the Dallas Cowboys, what his coaching philosophy and track record suggest about his suitability for the job, and why the Raiders’ rumors could impact the Cowboys’ decision-making process. We’ll also examine how Schottenheimer could fit within the Cowboys’ current roster and whether he could be the coach to finally lead the franchise to a Super Bowl title.

Schottenheimer’s Coaching Background: A Long and Storied Career

Before diving into the specifics of why Schottenheimer is being considered for the Cowboys’ head coaching position, it’s important to understand his background and career trajectory.

Brian Schottenheimer was born into football, with his father, Marty Schottenheimer, being a long-time NFL head coach. Brian’s exposure to the game at a young age and his understanding of football’s intricacies would go on to shape his coaching career. Brian began his professional journey as a quarterbacks coach before working his way up the ranks to become an offensive coordinator with several teams.

Schottenheimer’s first major coaching role came with the New York Jets, where he served as offensive coordinator from 2006 to 2011. During this time, he played a pivotal role in the development of Mark Sanchez, leading the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Games in 2009 and 2010. While the Jets ultimately fell short of the Super Bowl, Schottenheimer’s ability to work with a young quarterback and produce consistent results on offense was a notable accomplishment.

After his stint with the Jets, Schottenheimer went on to have successful runs with the St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Seattle Seahawks. He played a significant role in developing high-powered offenses, especially with the Seahawks, where he helped orchestrate an offense that won the Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014. Schottenheimer’s experience working with quarterbacks and designing creative offensive schemes was integral to the Seahawks’ success during the latter part of the 2010s.

In 2023, Schottenheimer returned to the Cowboys as their offensive coordinator, taking over the reins after the departure of Kellen Moore. During his first season with the Cowboys, Schottenheimer helped lead the offense to a top-10 ranking in points scored, though the team’s inability to advance deep into the playoffs led to questions about McCarthy’s overall approach. Schottenheimer’s time with the Cowboys gave him firsthand knowledge of the organization’s culture and roster, making him a natural fit for consideration as the team’s next head coach.

The Cowboys’ Current Situation: Mike McCarthy’s Struggles

The Dallas Cowboys have consistently been one of the most talented teams in the NFL, boasting a star-studded roster headlined by quarterback Dak Prescott, linebacker Micah Parsons, and a strong supporting cast. However, the team has struggled to make significant playoff runs, with the Cowboys failing to reach the NFC Championship Game or Super Bowl in over two decades.

Despite McCarthy’s efforts to turn the team around, including leading the Cowboys to multiple playoff berths, his tenure has been marked by inconsistencies and failure in critical games. In particular, McCarthy’s offensive game plans and decisions have been called into question, with many fans and analysts feeling that the Cowboys’ offense has not lived up to its full potential, especially in high-pressure playoff situations. The Cowboys’ inability to break through and win a Super Bowl has led to a growing sense of frustration within the fan base.

Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, is known for his hands-on approach and his willingness to make bold decisions. Given the Cowboys’ recent playoff disappointments, many have speculated that McCarthy’s time with the team could be coming to an end, with a potential coaching change on the horizon. If McCarthy is let go, the Cowboys will be searching for a coach who can harness the team’s talent, develop a more dynamic offensive scheme, and, most importantly, deliver the franchise’s first Super Bowl in over 25 years.

Schottenheimer, who is familiar with the Cowboys’ system, culture, and players, would be a logical candidate to take over. His experience as an offensive coordinator and his reputation for developing quarterbacks and managing high-powered offenses could be the breath of fresh air the Cowboys need.

Schottenheimer’s Fit with the Cowboys

If Jerry Jones decides to make a change at head coach, Schottenheimer’s familiarity with the Cowboys’ personnel and systems would give him an advantage over other candidates. As the offensive coordinator in 2023, Schottenheimer helped guide Dak Prescott and the offense to solid results, but questions about the team’s playoff performance and consistency ultimately fell back on McCarthy’s leadership.

Schottenheimer’s offensive philosophy aligns with what many believe the Cowboys need: creativity, balance, and innovation. Under McCarthy, the Cowboys have relied on a more traditional offense, often failing to adapt in big moments, particularly in the postseason. Schottenheimer has shown that he can adapt his schemes to the strengths of his players, whether that’s through his work with Mark Sanchez in New York or helping Russell Wilson lead the Seahawks to a championship in 2014. Schottenheimer’s ability to call plays, utilize running backs effectively, and develop quarterbacks could be critical in unlocking the full potential of Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense.

One area where Schottenheimer’s leadership would be crucial is in helping Prescott evolve as a quarterback. Prescott has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with turnovers, inconsistent decision-making, and an inability to perform under pressure in the playoffs. Schottenheimer’s expertise in quarterback development and offensive scheme design could help refine Prescott’s game and take the Cowboys’ offense to the next level.

In addition to his offensive expertise, Schottenheimer’s ability to adapt his game plan to the personnel at his disposal would be valuable in making the most out of the Cowboys’ highly talented defense, led by Micah Parsons and a revamped secondary. Schottenheimer would likely place emphasis on balance, helping the Cowboys’ defense stay fresh while maximizing the potential of the offense. His approach could bring a more harmonious, holistic system to the Cowboys, combining offensive creativity with defensive discipline.

Raiders Rumors and Schottenheimer’s Potential Future

While Schottenheimer is a logical choice for the Cowboys, his name has also been linked to the Las Vegas Raiders following Josh McDaniels’ firing. The Raiders, another team with significant talent, have underperformed in recent years and are looking for a new direction. Schottenheimer’s offensive pedigree and ability to develop quarterbacks could make him a strong candidate to take over in Las Vegas. If Schottenheimer were to be offered the head coaching job with the Raiders, it would likely make for a highly competitive decision for him, particularly given the Cowboys’ interest.

The Raiders are in a similar position to the Cowboys in that they are looking for leadership to help turn the franchise around. Schottenheimer’s ability to bring an innovative offensive system to the Raiders and his experience working with quarterbacks like Derek Carr and Russell Wilson could give him a significant edge in any potential hiring process. However, given his prior connection to the Cowboys and his deep understanding of their roster, it’s possible that Schottenheimer may lean toward staying in Dallas, where he could continue to work with Prescott and the team’s strong roster.