The Cowboys’ hiring procedure for Brian Schottenheimer was just as faulty as their outcomes.

In the high-pressure world of the Dallas Cowboys, where every decision is analyzed and scrutinized under the brightest of lights, the team’s search for a new offensive coordinator this offseason has been anything but smooth. The Cowboys’ hiring of Brian Schottenheimer as their new offensive coordinator was supposed to be the missing link to unlocking the full potential of an offense that has a talented quarterback in Dak Prescott, a dynamic wide receiver in CeeDee Lamb, and a promising young running back in Tony Pollard. However, much like their postseason failures, the process behind Schottenheimer’s hiring has been riddled with missteps, signaling that the Cowboys’ biggest problem might not be just the players or the coaches themselves—but the lack of foresight and consistency in the team’s decision-making.

The Pattern of Inconsistent Leadership in Dallas

For years, the Cowboys have been plagued by inconsistent decision-making, particularly when it comes to important leadership positions. Whether it was the departure of former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore after a string of frustrating playoff losses or the repeated swings and misses on head coach hires in the past, the Cowboys’ organizational decisions have often been head-scratching at best, and disastrous at worst.

The Cowboys’ decision to hire Schottenheimer as offensive coordinator was just the latest example in a long line of head-scratching decisions. Although Schottenheimer has been around the league for years and has some notable experience, his track record doesn’t inspire much confidence when considering the expectations surrounding the Cowboys. In fact, many in the NFL community are still trying to figure out why he was even a candidate in the first place, let alone the top choice for the job.

The Confusion Around Schottenheimer’s Qualifications

The first problem with the hiring procedure was the apparent disconnect between the Cowboys’ aspirations and Schottenheimer’s qualifications. While Schottenheimer has served as an offensive coordinator for multiple NFL teams, his success has been limited, and his offenses have rarely been lauded for their innovation or high-level production.

To be clear, Schottenheimer isn’t a bad coach, but his record speaks for itself. The offense he orchestrated in Seattle was known for its focus on the run game and its reliance on strong defense, but it also lacked the explosive passing attack that many expected to see from a team led by a quarterback like Russell Wilson. Schottenheimer’s tenure in Seattle came to an end after the 2020 season due to disagreements with head coach Pete Carroll over the team’s offensive approach. Schottenheimer’s insistence on a more conservative, run-first offense was at odds with Carroll’s desire for a more dynamic, pass-heavy scheme.

It’s easy to see why the Cowboys, known for their “America’s Team” brand and large fan base, would want someone with experience at the helm of an offense. However, what is baffling is why they would choose Schottenheimer, whose offensive philosophy doesn’t seem to align with the explosive, pass-first attack that many thought the Cowboys needed. The team was hoping to make a leap in the postseason, and to bring in a coordinator whose offenses had often struggled to put up points seemed like a questionable decision, particularly when paired with a quarterback in Prescott, whose talents have often been overshadowed by conservative playcalling.

The Search That Never Was

Another glaring flaw in the Cowboys’ hiring procedure was the lack of transparency or thoroughness in their search for a new offensive coordinator. Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office are notoriously private when it comes to their decision-making process, but this hiring felt rushed and, frankly, ill-conceived. The Cowboys didn’t seem to cast a wide net for potential candidates; instead, they seemed to settle for Schottenheimer far too quickly.

For a team with championship aspirations, the Cowboys’ approach to hiring a new offensive coordinator should have been much more meticulous. The offensive coordinator position is arguably one of the most important roles in any NFL franchise, and considering the Cowboys’ struggles in the postseason in recent years, it was imperative they brought in someone who could elevate Prescott and the entire offense. Instead, the process was shrouded in mystery and followed a pattern of Jones and company going with a name they were comfortable with, rather than the most qualified candidate.

Take, for example, the fact that the Cowboys never seriously pursued a candidate with an innovative, modern offensive approach. Names like Shane Steichen, who was integral in the offensive success of the Philadelphia Eagles, or Bobby Slowik, who had a hand in the Houston Texans’ impressive offensive development, could have been perfect fits for the Cowboys’ system. But instead, the Cowboys chose to settle with a coordinator who lacked the creative spark the team needed to take its offense to the next level.

Inconsistent Messaging from the Front Office

What compounds the problems with Schottenheimer’s hiring is the mixed messaging coming out of the Cowboys’ front office. One minute, Jerry Jones is talking about the need for a more aggressive, modern offense that can compete with the league’s elite teams. The next minute, the team is hiring a coordinator whose philosophy revolves around a more methodical, run-heavy approach. This inconsistency in vision is part of what has caused the Cowboys to struggle, and it reflects an organizational culture that can’t seem to figure out what it truly wants.

For example, in previous years, Prescott has shown that he is at his best when the offense is more wide open, featuring quick strikes and explosive plays. Under Kellen Moore, there were glimpses of this style of offense, particularly when Prescott was healthy and protected in the pocket. But instead of doubling down on that approach, the Cowboys opted for a coordinator in Schottenheimer who might have experience, but whose style does not necessarily lend itself to maximizing Prescott’s strengths.

This lack of consistency sends the wrong message to players and fans alike. If the Cowboys truly wanted to move into a new era of offensive football, they needed to bring in someone with fresh ideas, someone who could complement Prescott’s strengths while also pushing the offense forward. Instead, the Cowboys’ hire of Schottenheimer feels like a step backward, a decision made out of comfort rather than conviction.

A History of Head-Scratching Decisions

The Cowboys’ hiring of Schottenheimer is merely the latest in a long history of questionable coaching decisions. Over the past decade, Dallas has cycled through various coordinators, only to find that none of them have been able to lead the team to postseason success. From Jason Garrett’s tenure as head coach to the firing of Rod Marinelli as defensive coordinator, the Cowboys have often opted for safe, familiar hires, rather than bold, innovative ones.

This history of conservative decision-making, paired with the team’s inability to live up to expectations, has left Cowboys fans frustrated and disillusioned. The team’s roster is often stacked with talent, but the lack of consistent leadership and strategic vision has been a major factor in their inability to get over the hump. Schottenheimer’s hiring feels like another example of the Cowboys failing to truly understand what they need to succeed.

The Resulting Pressure on Mike McCarthy

One of the most concerning aspects of Schottenheimer’s hiring is the pressure it puts on head coach Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys’ decision to bring in Schottenheimer has now tied McCarthy’s future even more closely to the success of the offense. If Schottenheimer’s run-heavy approach doesn’t deliver results, McCarthy will inevitably bear the brunt of the blame. It also raises questions about McCarthy’s own authority within the organization. The hiring of Schottenheimer, while nominally a decision made by the front office, further complicates McCarthy’s role as the team’s head coach, as it appears he may not have had the final say in such an important decision.

At a time when the Cowboys should be aligning their leadership to work together seamlessly, the lack of a unified approach raises serious doubts about the team’s long-term vision. If McCarthy is to succeed in Dallas, he needs the freedom to shape the offense according to his own principles, and not be saddled with a coordinator whose style might not fit the personnel at his disposal.

The Same Old Story

The Dallas Cowboys’ hiring of Brian Schottenheimer is, unfortunately, a continuation of the same old story for a team that has long struggled with its organizational identity. Inconsistent decision-making, a lack of vision, and a failure to take bold risks have once again led to a questionable hire at a critical juncture. Schottenheimer might be a competent coach, but the Cowboys needed more than competence—they needed someone who could inject creativity and innovation into an offense that has often been predictable and stale.

As the Cowboys look toward the 2025 season, their fanbase has to wonder if the issues with the team run deeper than just the players or the coaches. For Dallas to finally break through and achieve its Super Bowl aspirations, they need more than just a safe hire like Schottenheimer. They need leadership that is willing to take risks, to build a cohesive strategy, and to make the bold decisions that will finally lift them out of mediocrity.

Until that happens, the Cowboys’ playoff failures will continue to be the same old story, regardless of who is calling the plays.