Mike Schottenheimer adds a running backs coach, quarterbacks coach, and tight ends coach to his staff for improved offensive development.

In the competitive world of the NFL, the success of a team hinges on its ability to continuously adapt and evolve. For the Dallas Cowboys, the 2025 season brings a renewed sense of excitement with the appointment of Mike Schottenheimer as the team’s offensive coordinator. Schottenheimer, a seasoned coach with a proven track record, has wasted no time in reshaping the Cowboys’ offensive staff to ensure the team remains competitive in a rapidly changing league. Among his first moves, Schottenheimer has added a running backs coach, quarterbacks coach, and tight ends coach, signaling a commitment to building a dynamic and versatile offensive unit.

These new hires come at a crucial time for the Cowboys, who have been on the verge of greatness for several seasons. Despite some solid performances in recent years, the team has fallen short in the postseason, largely due to inconsistent offensive play. The addition of these coaches is designed to enhance every aspect of the offense—from improving the running game to refining quarterback play and maximizing the contributions of tight ends. Each of these position coaches will bring a specific set of skills to the table, enabling the Cowboys to build a more balanced, efficient, and explosive offensive scheme.

The Importance of the Running Backs Coach

In today’s NFL, the role of the running back has evolved significantly. While the league may be increasingly dominated by high-flying passing offenses, the ability to establish a strong running game remains crucial. This is especially true for a team like the Cowboys, who have the talent to dominate both on the ground and through the air. For the Cowboys, the running backs coach will be a pivotal figure in shaping the future of their ground attack.

With Tony Pollard emerging as the team’s lead back after the departure of Ezekiel Elliott, the running back position has become even more important. Pollard, a dynamic playmaker known for his burst and agility, is capable of changing the game in an instant. However, to truly maximize his potential as a number-one back, Pollard will need to continue developing his skills—especially in areas like pass protection, vision, and decisiveness at the line of scrimmage.

A running backs coach can help refine Pollard’s technique, ensuring that he remains efficient and productive while minimizing the wear and tear of a heavy workload. Pollard’s ability to excel as a pass-catcher out of the backfield also presents an area of opportunity. By improving his route running, understanding of coverages, and ability to create separation, Pollard could become even more of a dual-threat weapon. Additionally, the Cowboys’ offensive line, while talented, has been inconsistent at times, so a running backs coach will also work closely with the offensive line coach to ensure that Pollard is maximizing the space created by the blocking schemes.

Moreover, the Cowboys have a strong backup trio in Malik Davis, Rico Dowdle, and other young running backs. A competent running backs coach can ensure that these players are ready to step up if called upon, especially in key moments during the season. A well-coached, deep running back room gives Schottenheimer the flexibility to keep the offense fresh and dynamic, no matter the game situation.

The Quarterbacks Coach: Helping Dak Prescott Reach His Potential

Arguably the most important hire of all is the quarterbacks coach, whose role is to help the franchise quarterback develop and improve. For the Dallas Cowboys, that responsibility falls squarely on Dak Prescott. Prescott has been the face of the Cowboys’ offense since taking over as the starting quarterback in 2016, and while he has enjoyed considerable success, his play has been marked by occasional inconsistency—especially in high-pressure situations.

In 2023, Prescott threw for over 4,000 yards but also dealt with issues related to turnovers and decision-making. Despite the team’s strong regular-season record, these mistakes proved costly in the postseason. To overcome these challenges and take the Cowboys to the next level, Prescott needs to become a more consistent player, especially when the stakes are highest.

The addition of a quarterbacks coach is essential to achieving this goal. A quarterbacks coach can help refine Prescott’s mechanics, particularly his footwork and throwing motion. By improving his consistency in those areas, Prescott can become more accurate on both short and deep passes. Additionally, a quarterbacks coach can help Prescott develop better timing and chemistry with his receiving corps, especially with key playmakers like CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Gallup. As Schottenheimer’s offense looks to take a more balanced approach, the quarterbacks coach will also work on helping Prescott excel in the play-action game, where timing and precision are crucial.

Perhaps the most critical area for improvement, however, lies in decision-making. Prescott has shown the ability to make every throw, but at times, he struggles with reading defenses, particularly when under pressure. A quarterbacks coach can help Prescott improve his ability to quickly process information, recognize defensive alignments, and make faster, more decisive choices. This development would not only reduce turnovers but also enhance Prescott’s ability to execute Schottenheimer’s offensive game plan.

In addition to working with Prescott, the quarterbacks coach will be integral in the development of the backup quarterbacks. While Prescott has remained relatively healthy throughout his career, having a reliable backup is critical in the NFL. Cooper Rush, who stepped in admirably in Prescott’s absence in 2022, will benefit from continued coaching to ensure he remains ready to take over if needed.

The Tight Ends Coach: Maximizing the Cowboys’ Versatile Options

While the running backs coach and quarterbacks coach might dominate the headlines, the hire of a tight ends coach should not be underestimated. Tight ends have become an increasingly important position in modern offenses, and the Cowboys are fortunate to have a promising group of players in Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and Peyton Hendershot. Each of these players brings something different to the table, and with the right coaching, they could become one of the league’s more dynamic tight end units.

Schottenheimer’s offensive philosophy is one that emphasizes versatility, and the tight end position is a prime example of this. Tight ends in Schottenheimer’s system are expected to be complete players, capable of contributing both as blockers in the running game and as reliable targets in the passing game. A tight ends coach will play a pivotal role in developing these skills, helping the players refine their blocking techniques, route-running, and ability to create mismatches against opposing defenses.

Jake Ferguson, for example, has already shown promise as a pass-catching tight end. His ability to make plays in the middle of the field could be crucial in Schottenheimer’s offense, which aims to attack defenses at all levels. A tight ends coach will help Ferguson improve his timing and separation, allowing him to become a more effective target in crucial situations.

Meanwhile, Luke Schoonmaker, a more traditional tight end, could be utilized as a dual-threat weapon in both the running and passing games. Schoonmaker’s size and strength make him an ideal fit for a blocking-heavy role, but his hands and ability to stretch the field could also make him a reliable weapon in the passing game. The tight ends coach will ensure that Schoonmaker continues to develop into a well-rounded player, capable of contributing in multiple facets of the offense.

Lastly, Peyton Hendershot, a young and talented player, will benefit from a specialized coach who can help him develop the nuances of playing tight end at the NFL level. With Schottenheimer’s emphasis on multiple tight end sets, the tight ends coach will ensure that Hendershot’s skills are honed and ready for increased responsibility in the offense.

Schottenheimer’s Offensive Vision: A Balanced Approach

Mike Schottenheimer has long been known for his balanced offensive approach. He believes that success in the NFL comes from the ability to run the ball efficiently while also being able to strike through the air. The additions of a running backs coach, quarterbacks coach, and tight ends coach reflect his belief that every position group must be coached to contribute to this balanced offensive attack.

A strong running game opens up opportunities for play-action, which, in turn, helps create passing lanes for the quarterback. Having a solid tight end group, capable of both blocking and receiving, further enhances this strategy. Together, these elements allow Schottenheimer to build a cohesive offensive unit that can adapt to various game situations.

With the coaching staff now in place, Schottenheimer can develop an offense that is both efficient and explosive, one that can control the clock, wear down defenses, and capitalize on big-play opportunities. The running game will be the foundation, but the play-action passing game, the tight ends’ contributions, and the quarterback’s decision-making will be the catalyst for unlocking the full potential of the Cowboys’ offense.