“This is as big a risk as you can take,” said Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, about appointing Brian Schottenheimer as head coach.
In one of the most unexpected moves in recent Dallas Cowboys history, Jerry Jones, the team’s outspoken and ambitious owner, made the decision to appoint Brian Schottenheimer as the new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. This announcement sent shockwaves throughout the NFL, as Schottenheimer was not a conventional choice for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Jones’ words — “This is as big a risk as you can take” — underscored the gravity of the decision and the potential for both great reward and significant fallout.
The appointment of Schottenheimer, a seasoned offensive coordinator with a well-established career but without the experience of being a head coach, raised eyebrows across the league. To understand why Jerry Jones views this as such a monumental gamble, we must dive into Schottenheimer’s career, the broader context of the Cowboys’ situation, and the potential risks and rewards that come with entrusting him with one of the most prestigious coaching jobs in professional sports.
The Risk: A Departure from Conventional Wisdom
For years, Jerry Jones has shown a willingness to take risks with his team, from unconventional draft picks to head coach hires that raised questions. However, this decision to elevate Brian Schottenheimer from offensive coordinator to head coach is, by all accounts, one of the biggest gambles of his tenure as Cowboys owner.
Schottenheimer’s Lack of Head Coaching Experience
Brian Schottenheimer has been a respected offensive coordinator for multiple teams over the course of his career. He’s had stints with the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and most recently, the Dallas Cowboys as an offensive coordinator and consultant. His success as a coordinator has been noteworthy, particularly his ability to develop quarterbacks and offensive systems that emphasize balance between the run and pass.
However, Schottenheimer has never held the position of head coach. The leap from being an offensive coordinator to a head coach in the NFL is one that has proven difficult for many before him. Coordinators often thrive in a role where they can focus on one specific aspect of the team, but head coaches must oversee every facet of the operation, from game management to player development to media relations.
While Schottenheimer has a solid track record as a coordinator, there is little in his history to suggest he can excel in the demanding role of head coach. The decision to appoint Schottenheimer, then, represents a gamble on Jones’ part that his leadership abilities, strategic mindset, and understanding of the game will translate into success at the highest level.
High Expectations for a Star-Studded Roster
The Dallas Cowboys currently boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, with Dak Prescott under center, CeeDee Lamb as one of the top receivers in the league, and a defense led by the explosive Micah Parsons. The team is consistently a Super Bowl contender, and yet, they have fallen short in recent playoff appearances.
In appointing Schottenheimer as head coach, Jones is essentially giving him the reins to a team that is expected to compete for a championship immediately. The Cowboys have been on the brink of greatness for several years, but under previous head coach Mike McCarthy, the team failed to meet those lofty expectations. McCarthy’s tenure saw some progress, but his inability to get past the divisional round of the playoffs with a roster this talented led to his departure.
By choosing Schottenheimer, Jones is effectively acknowledging that he believes Schottenheimer can take this roster to the next level, and that he can do so quickly. Schottenheimer must be ready to handle the high-pressure environment of coaching a team with such high expectations. If he fails, it could not only set the Cowboys back for years, but it would also be a significant black mark on Jones’ legacy.
The Rewards: A Potential Game-Changer
While the risks of appointing Schottenheimer are clear, there are several potential rewards that Jones is undoubtedly hoping for. Schottenheimer brings to the table a combination of offensive innovation, experience, and fresh ideas that could transform the Cowboys into a Super Bowl-winning team.
Offensive Savvy and QB Development
Schottenheimer’s expertise lies in the development of offensive systems and quarterbacks. His experience with quarterbacks such as Mark Sanchez in New York, Russell Wilson in Seattle, and now Dak Prescott in Dallas, has allowed him to shape offenses that are both efficient and explosive. Schottenheimer has always been known for building balanced offenses that can attack both through the air and on the ground, an approach that could complement the Cowboys’ offensive personnel perfectly.
Dak Prescott, in particular, could stand to benefit greatly from Schottenheimer’s offensive mindset. Prescott has been an inconsistent performer at times in his career, particularly in big games. Schottenheimer’s ability to refine Prescott’s mechanics, decision-making, and leadership could elevate the Cowboys’ offense to the next level. Schottenheimer has a track record of coaching quarterbacks to Pro Bowl and Super Bowl appearances, and if he can unlock the best version of Prescott, it could lead to a Super Bowl for the Cowboys.
Schottenheimer’s offensive system has also been highly successful in balancing the run and pass games, which could help Tony Pollard and the Cowboys’ offensive line thrive. A well-balanced offense keeps opposing defenses off balance, and with Schottenheimer at the helm, the Cowboys could be poised to exploit mismatches across the field.
Leadership and Fresh Perspective
One of the key reasons Jerry Jones likely sees this as a gamble with high potential rewards is Schottenheimer’s ability to bring a fresh perspective to the Dallas Cowboys. After years of the same system under previous head coaches, Schottenheimer can bring new ideas, new strategies, and a more modern approach to the table. His ability to bring new energy and a shift in perspective could invigorate the Cowboys’ locker room and inspire the team to perform at a higher level.
The hire also signals that Jones is ready for a change in the direction of the team. By moving away from a traditional head coach with previous experience, Jones is effectively saying that he wants someone who can offer something different—someone who can reshape the team’s culture and push it to new heights. Schottenheimer’s youth and hunger for success could be exactly what the Cowboys need after years of underachieving in the postseason.
A Strong Defensive Mindset to Complement an Elite Defense
Another reason why Schottenheimer’s appointment could lead to great success for the Cowboys is the defensive prowess already established within the team. The Cowboys’ defense, led by Micah Parsons, has been one of the league’s most fearsome units in recent seasons. With Schottenheimer overseeing the offense and the defense continuing to perform at a high level, the Cowboys could develop a more cohesive, balanced team than they have had in recent years.
Schottenheimer’s offensive schemes could also help complement the defense, as the offense would be able to put up enough points to allow the defense to thrive. A high-scoring offense creates pressure on opposing teams, which in turn puts more pressure on the opposing quarterback and forces mistakes. Schottenheimer’s ability to control the tempo of the game and execute his offensive game plan effectively could lead to fewer opportunities for opposing offenses and more chances for the Cowboys’ defense to capitalize on turnovers.
The Stakes: A Critical Year for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys
Jerry Jones has always been a figure who lives and dies by the decisions he makes for the Dallas Cowboys. The hire of Brian Schottenheimer represents one of the most critical moves he has made in years. With a roster that is primed for Super Bowl contention, Jones cannot afford to make a mistake. If Schottenheimer’s tenure results in another playoff disappointment or worse, it will be seen as a major misstep by Jones.
The pressure on Schottenheimer will be immense. The expectations for the Cowboys will be sky-high, and as the head coach of a team with championship aspirations, he will be held to an incredibly high standard. Schottenheimer must prove that he can translate his offensive prowess into meaningful success in a head coaching role. If he succeeds, he could carve out a legacy as the coach who finally brought a Super Bowl back to Dallas after decades of waiting.
