Daryl “Moose” Johnston, Jon Gruden, and others comment on the hiring of Brian Schottenheimer.

The NFL is a league where decisions made in the front office often set the tone for the entire franchise, with coaching hires representing some of the most significant moves a team can make. The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer as their new offensive coordinator has sent ripples through the football world, with analysts, former players, and coaches offering their perspectives on the move. As the Cowboys look to bounce back after a string of playoff disappointments, Schottenheimer’s hiring is seen as a critical turning point.

In this article, we will explore the reactions to Schottenheimer’s hiring, with insights from former Dallas Cowboys fullback Daryl “Moose” Johnston, former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, and other figures in the football community. The opinions of these individuals offer a comprehensive look at what Schottenheimer brings to the Cowboys’ coaching staff, as well as how he is expected to shape the future of the franchise’s offense.

Brian Schottenheimer: A History of Success and Struggles

Before diving into the reactions of Daryl Johnston, Jon Gruden, and others, it’s important to understand Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching background and why he was hired by the Cowboys in the first place. Schottenheimer, 51, has spent the last several decades in the NFL as an offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and even as a play-caller. With stops in New York (Jets), St. Louis (Rams), and Seattle (Seahawks), Schottenheimer has had the opportunity to work with some of the league’s top quarterbacks and offensive minds.

His reputation has been a mixed one. Schottenheimer is often praised for his ability to develop quarterbacks and his commitment to a balanced offensive attack. He helped lead the Seattle Seahawks to one of the NFL’s top offenses during his time as offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2020. His work with quarterback Russell Wilson in Seattle, guiding him through some of the best years of his career, is often regarded as one of his key accomplishments.

However, Schottenheimer’s tenure as a coordinator has also been marked by struggles, particularly in terms of game management and consistency. In 2011, his stint as the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams was cut short after a disappointing season. His time with the Jets was similarly marred by offensive inefficiencies, even though he had success in the early part of his tenure.

Despite these ups and downs, Schottenheimer’s name resurfaced as a candidate for various coordinator positions across the league. The Cowboys, who had been searching for an offensive coordinator to complement head coach Mike McCarthy’s overall vision for the team, ultimately decided to hire Schottenheimer. With Dak Prescott at the helm and an offense that has struggled in the postseason, Schottenheimer’s task will be to help elevate the Cowboys to a new level of success.

Daryl “Moose” Johnston: A Cowboys Veteran’s Perspective

As a former fullback for the Cowboys and current analyst for NFL games, Daryl “Moose” Johnston is uniquely qualified to assess the impact of Schottenheimer’s hiring. Johnston, who played for the Cowboys during their Super Bowl-winning years in the 1990s, understands the importance of offensive balance and how a coordinator can affect the overall rhythm of a team.

Johnston was initially optimistic about Schottenheimer’s hiring but recognized the challenges that lay ahead. “Brian Schottenheimer is a coach who understands the intricacies of offensive football,” Johnston said. “I’ve seen him work with quarterbacks, and his ability to build a game plan around the strengths of his players is something the Cowboys need right now. Dak Prescott has all the tools to be one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but he needs the right system around him to truly thrive.”

Johnston’s point about Prescott is crucial. The Cowboys have consistently had one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, but they have struggled to translate that talent into playoff success. With Schottenheimer now in the fold, Johnston believes the focus must be on maximizing Prescott’s potential, which he sees as one of Schottenheimer’s primary objectives.

“I think Schottenheimer will focus on finding a way to help Dak become more consistent,” Johnston continued. “We’ve seen flashes of brilliance from him, but there are times when he’s inconsistent, particularly in big moments. Schottenheimer’s experience with quarterbacks will help Dak hone his skills and become more comfortable in pressure situations.”

Johnston also noted that Schottenheimer’s experience with a power-running game could benefit the Cowboys’ offense, especially with the presence of running back Ezekiel Elliott and a solid offensive line. “The Cowboys need to get back to establishing a physical running game,” Johnston said. “Schottenheimer has experience in this area, especially with his time in Seattle. He knows how to build a system that runs through the running back while still incorporating a balanced passing attack.”

In Johnston’s view, Schottenheimer’s success in Seattle was a positive indicator of what he could do with the Cowboys’ offense. “Seattle was a team that had a solid defense and a physical running game, but Schottenheimer helped Russell Wilson take that offense to another level,” Johnston said. “With Dak Prescott and the weapons around him, I think Schottenheimer can do the same thing in Dallas.”

Jon Gruden: A Coach’s Insight on Schottenheimer’s Potential

Jon Gruden, the former head coach of the Oakland Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is a well-respected figure in the football community. Known for his offensive prowess and deep understanding of the game, Gruden’s perspective on Schottenheimer’s hiring is one that carries significant weight. Gruden, who has worked with several quarterbacks throughout his career, expressed admiration for Schottenheimer’s coaching style and the potential impact he could have on the Cowboys’ offense.

“Brian Schottenheimer is a guy who knows how to coach quarterbacks,” Gruden remarked. “He’s had a lot of experience in this league, and what I really like about him is his adaptability. He’s not tied to one specific style of offense. Whether he’s working with a quarterback who excels in a fast-paced, pass-heavy system or a quarterback who thrives in a more balanced offense, Schottenheimer knows how to adjust.”

Gruden’s point about Schottenheimer’s adaptability is particularly important. Over the years, the NFL has seen a shift toward more high-powered passing offenses, and Schottenheimer has been able to adjust his systems to fit the strengths of his quarterbacks. His time with Russell Wilson in Seattle was particularly impressive, as he helped Wilson evolve into one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Gruden believes Schottenheimer could bring that same level of versatility to the Cowboys.

“One of the most important things Schottenheimer will bring to the table is his ability to adjust in-game,” Gruden said. “The Cowboys have a lot of talent, but they need a coach who can make the right adjustments when things aren’t going well. Schottenheimer has been through the ups and downs of the NFL, and that experience is going to be crucial for the Cowboys.”

Gruden also emphasized that Schottenheimer’s experience with a variety of offensive systems would be valuable for a team like the Cowboys, which has struggled with consistency in recent years. “If there’s one thing the Cowboys need right now, it’s consistency,” Gruden added. “Schottenheimer has been through enough in this league to know what works and what doesn’t. He’s a guy who will be able to make sure the offense is running efficiently and will find ways to get the ball to the playmakers in space.”

Other NFL Figures Weigh In: A Mixed Reaction

While Johnston and Gruden expressed optimism about Schottenheimer’s hiring, other NFL analysts and former players have voiced a more cautious outlook. Some see Schottenheimer’s reputation as a “safe” hire, pointing out that he has never truly led an offense to sustained greatness outside of Seattle. Others have questioned whether his conservative play-calling tendencies could mesh with the Cowboys’ desire for a high-flying, explosive offense.

“Schottenheimer is solid, but I’m not sure he’s the guy to take the Cowboys to the next level,” said one anonymous former NFL player. “He’s always been a guy who likes to rely on the run game and play it safe, and that’s not necessarily what the Cowboys need right now. They need someone who can open up the offense and take more risks.”

Another NFL analyst expressed similar concerns, noting that while Schottenheimer has had success as a coordinator, he has never been able to truly elevate an offense to elite status. “Schottenheimer is a capable coach, but I’m not sure he’s the guy who’s going to unlock Dak Prescott’s full potential. The Cowboys need more than just a solid offensive coordinator—they need a game-changer.”

The Road Ahead for Brian Schottenheimer and the Dallas Cowboys

The hiring of Brian Schottenheimer as the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator has sparked a wide range of reactions from analysts, former players, and coaches alike. While many are optimistic about his ability to develop Dak Prescott and establish a balanced, efficient offense, there are others who remain cautious about his ability to lead the Cowboys to elite status.

For Schottenheimer, the road ahead is filled with high expectations. He inherits a team with one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, and his ability to adapt to the strengths of his players will be key. The Cowboys’ offense has the potential to be one of the league’s best, but it will take Schottenheimer’s leadership and vision to unlock that potential.

As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Schottenheimer as he works to implement his offensive system and take the Cowboys to new heights. With the support of coaches like Daryl Johnston and Jon Gruden, and the scrutiny of NFL analysts, Schottenheimer’s impact will be one of the most closely watched storylines in Dallas. Only time will tell whether he can turn the Cowboys’ offense into a juggernaut or if he will face further struggles in his quest for sustained success.