Two other additions to Schottenheimer’s staff are a running backs coach.
In the fast-moving world of the NFL, every season brings new changes, innovations, and recalibrations, especially when it comes to coaching staffs. For the Dallas Cowboys, 2025 has already seen significant adjustments under the leadership of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer, hired as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator after the departure of Kellen Moore, is tasked with revitalizing a Cowboys offense that has been both potent and inconsistent in recent seasons. As part of Schottenheimer’s plan to elevate the team’s offensive production, two key additions have been made to the coaching staff: a new running backs coach and another vital addition aimed at enhancing the Cowboys’ offensive unit.
While Schottenheimer will take charge of coordinating the offense and implementing his system, these two coaches are essential to executing that vision. The running backs coach, in particular, plays a critical role in shaping the Cowboys’ ground game, which has been one of the team’s core identities for years. The Cowboys’ success in 2025 will depend not only on Dak Prescott’s leadership and the wide receiver corps, but also on how well Schottenheimer’s staff maximizes the talents of the team’s running backs and adapts to new dynamics within the offensive system.
This article will dive into the importance of these two coaching additions, how they fit into Schottenheimer’s plans for the offense, and what impact they may have on the overall success of the Cowboys in 2025 and beyond.
Schottenheimer’s Offensive Philosophy
Brian Schottenheimer, known for his varied coaching history with teams like the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, and Seattle Seahawks, brings an established philosophy to the Cowboys. Schottenheimer has experience in multiple offensive systems, but his approach leans heavily on the run game to complement a balanced passing attack. In his tenure with the Seahawks, Schottenheimer helped cultivate a powerful rushing attack with running back Chris Carson, setting the foundation for a physical, run-first offense.
Schottenheimer’s offensive philosophy hinges on establishing the run, creating play-action opportunities, and utilizing a diverse set of personnel groupings. The Cowboys have traditionally been a run-heavy team, especially with the strong offensive line and elite talents like Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard over the years. As Schottenheimer takes over the reins of the Cowboys’ offense, his key additions to the staff are essential to reinforcing that philosophy and ensuring that the offensive backfield operates at its full potential.
The Cowboys’ backfield will likely be a primary focus for Schottenheimer in 2025, and the addition of a new running backs coach signals the importance of revitalizing the ground game to complement the rest of the offense. The coaches brought in to shape this crucial position will play a pivotal role in the Cowboys’ success moving forward.
The Running Backs Coach: A Key Addition to Schottenheimer’s Staff
As Schottenheimer’s primary responsibility will be overseeing the entire offense, the running backs coach will have a crucial role in ensuring that the team’s running game is both productive and effective. In today’s NFL, where passing offenses tend to dominate, a strong running game is still a foundational element of a successful offense, particularly for teams that rely on balance to maintain unpredictability.
In the case of the Cowboys, the running back room is as dynamic as it has been in years, with veteran talent like Tony Pollard paired with exciting, younger prospects. Pollard, who emerged as the team’s lead back in 2023 after the departure of Ezekiel Elliott, has proven himself to be an explosive and versatile playmaker. However, his continued development, both as a runner and in the passing game, is essential to the team’s overall success.
Under Schottenheimer’s leadership, the running backs coach will need to guide Pollard to new heights while also nurturing the development of other players in the backfield. With a coaching staff focused on creating a powerful ground game, Schottenheimer will look to maximize Pollard’s skill set, which includes explosive speed, vision, and an ability to break long runs. The Cowboys’ success hinges on a running game that can move the ball consistently and take pressure off Dak Prescott and the passing game.
In recent seasons, Pollard has shown an ability to be a threat both as a traditional ball carrier and as a receiver out of the backfield. He is dynamic in the open field, able to create big plays with his acceleration and agility. To get the most out of Pollard and the rest of the backfield, the running backs coach must teach precise footwork, improve blocking skills, and continue developing the running backs’ chemistry with the offensive line. Understanding the intricacies of Schottenheimer’s scheme, which will emphasize running the ball efficiently and in different ways, is critical for success.
The new running backs coach will also be instrumental in getting the best out of any backups or young prospects the Cowboys bring in during the offseason. This depth will be crucial if Pollard were to miss time due to injury or if the team needs to rotate fresh legs into the offense during the season. The running backs coach’s ability to prepare these players for meaningful roles will be a key factor in the overall health of the offense.
The Offensive Line’s Role: Complementing the Running Backs
As much as the running backs themselves will play a crucial role in the success of Schottenheimer’s offense, it cannot be overstated that the offensive line is just as important in the team’s running game. The Cowboys’ offensive line, led by veterans like Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and the promising young talent at the tackle position, has long been one of the most formidable units in the league. The success of the running backs largely depends on the push and control provided by the offensive line, which will be vital to Schottenheimer’s system.
Schottenheimer’s offense values offensive line movement, and that’s why the relationship between the running backs coach and the offensive line coach will be so important. The Cowboys will likely continue using a variety of blocking schemes, such as zone blocking and power running plays, to keep opposing defenses on their toes. Schottenheimer’s ability to mix in plays that require the offensive line to pull or execute quick traps while allowing the running backs to read blocks and hit creases is essential to maintaining an effective ground game.
Having a stable and effective offensive line is essential for any successful run game, and the new running backs coach will need to work hand in hand with the offensive line coach to ensure that both units are in sync. The running backs must read the line’s blocking assignments quickly, and the line must protect running lanes while giving the ball carriers enough time to make the right cuts.
In the 2025 season, the Cowboys’ offensive line and the running backs will need to work in tandem under Schottenheimer’s direction to dominate the trenches and ensure success in the run game. Together, the running backs coach and offensive line coach will help create the foundation for a productive offense that can dominate in the ground game while complementing the aerial attack.
The Backfield’s Depth: Shaping Future Contributors
In addition to Tony Pollard, the Cowboys’ running back depth could prove to be an important area of focus for Schottenheimer’s coaching staff. Running backs often need to be rotated throughout the season, especially given the physical nature of the position and the importance of keeping players fresh for a playoff run.
In 2025, the Cowboys will likely have several backs competing for roles behind Pollard. Players like Malik Davis, who showed flashes of potential in previous seasons, and rookie prospects drafted during the offseason, will need to develop under the guidance of the running backs coach. The coach will not only have to focus on developing Pollard’s game but will also have the task of ensuring the depth of the backfield is solid, with players ready to step in when called upon.
In the NFL, a strong, consistent backfield can carry a team through rough patches in the season or in key games where the passing game struggles. Ensuring that Pollard has a solid backup or complementary running back who can fill in seamlessly will be critical for the Cowboys’ overall success.
Schottenheimer’s Offensive System: A Balanced Approach
As a coach, Schottenheimer’s philosophy will require a balanced attack, one that emphasizes the ability to win in both the running and passing games. The running backs coach will be a critical figure in making sure the ground game has the necessary tools and strategy to be successful. As Schottenheimer runs his offense, the system will rely on making use of multiple running backs, executing short-yardage plays, and creating big plays off play-action, where the running backs will serve as integral elements to pulling defenders closer to the line of scrimmage.
With Schottenheimer’s diverse offense, the running backs coach will need to teach versatility to the Cowboys’ running backs, ensuring that each back is capable of being effective in multiple facets of the game. This includes running between the tackles, catching passes out of the backfield, and serving as a reliable pass protector. The challenge will be in keeping each back fresh and making sure they’re ready for any number of roles within Schottenheimer’s game plan.
The Road Ahead for the Cowboys’ Running Game
The addition of a new running backs coach to Brian Schottenheimer’s staff is one of the most important developments for the Cowboys heading into 2025. The success of Schottenheimer’s offensive philosophy hinges on a productive and versatile backfield, and the running backs coach will have the critical responsibility of maximizing the potential of Tony Pollard, as well as developing a deep and reliable backfield. The relationship between the running backs coach, the offensive line, and Schottenheimer will determine the team’s ability to control the game with the run, setting up a balanced and potent attack for the Cowboys in the seasons to come.
The Dallas Cowboys’ running game will play a pivotal role in their success in 2025. With the right guidance and a well-executed game plan, the Cowboys’ offense will have the foundation it needs to compete at the highest level and make a deep playoff run. With Schottenheimer’s expertise, the new running backs coach will be at the center of the team’s effort to restore balance, efficiency, and physicality to the offense.
