The favorite to be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys is Brian Schottenheimer.
The Favorite to Be the Next Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys: Brian Schottenheimer
The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most high-profile and scrutinized teams in the NFL, are no strangers to big coaching decisions. With owner Jerry Jones at the helm and a passionate fanbase that holds their team to lofty expectations, the Cowboys’ coaching position is one of the most coveted and high-pressure roles in all of professional sports. Every time there is a shift in the coaching staff or rumors swirl about the future, the NFL world watches with bated breath, and the Cowboys are once again under the microscope.
As the Cowboys continue to search for the right leader to take them to the promised land of Super Bowl contention, one name has consistently surfaced in recent months: Brian Schottenheimer, the current offensive coordinator for the Cowboys. Schottenheimer, who has an extensive background as an offensive coach in the NFL, has found himself increasingly linked with the potential to be the next head coach of America’s Team. With some of the Cowboys’ recent challenges and coaching dynamics in flux, it’s easy to see why Schottenheimer is regarded as a strong candidate.
This article will delve into Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching background, his connection with the Cowboys, the reasons why he is a favorite to take over as head coach, and what he could bring to the team in terms of leadership, strategy, and success.
Brian Schottenheimer’s Coaching Background
Before examining why Schottenheimer is a potential head coach for the Cowboys, it’s important to understand his coaching journey, expertise, and leadership traits. Schottenheimer has spent the majority of his career working as an offensive coach, and his experience spans multiple teams, schemes, and quarterbacks.
Schottenheimer’s NFL coaching career began in 2001 when he served as an offensive assistant with the San Diego Chargers. His big break came in 2006 when he was hired as the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets. Schottenheimer spent six years with the Jets, developing the team’s offense and working with young quarterbacks, including Mark Sanchez. Under Schottenheimer’s guidance, the Jets experienced significant offensive growth and became a team that could contend in the AFC East. While the Jets’ offense was never known for being explosive, Schottenheimer’s systems were effective at controlling the ball and being efficient — which is often what wins in the NFL.
After his time in New York, Schottenheimer spent time with multiple teams in various roles. He was the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams (now Los Angeles Rams), the Seattle Seahawks, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Each stop brought a different set of challenges, but Schottenheimer consistently demonstrated his ability to develop offensive systems that made the most of the personnel available. Notably, his time in Seattle as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator helped the team build a solid, run-focused attack with quarterback Russell Wilson at the helm, leading to multiple playoff appearances.
Schottenheimer’s most recent stint as an offensive coordinator has been with the Dallas Cowboys, where he was hired in 2023 to take over as the offensive play-caller. The Cowboys, who already boasted a strong roster with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons, were looking to develop a more dynamic and consistent offense that could take the next step toward a Super Bowl. Schottenheimer was tasked with enhancing the Cowboys’ offensive efficiency, particularly after a series of up-and-down performances in past seasons under previous offensive coordinators.
Schottenheimer’s Success in Dallas
One of the major factors that has fueled the speculation surrounding Schottenheimer’s future as the Cowboys’ next head coach is the growing belief that he has helped improve the team’s offensive performance. Under Schottenheimer’s guidance, the Cowboys offense showed signs of growth, especially in areas like ball control, consistency, and efficiency. Though the Cowboys have had ups and downs offensively, Schottenheimer’s systems have allowed the team to remain competitive in the NFC.
In particular, Schottenheimer’s ability to work with Dak Prescott and optimize the quarterback’s play has been noteworthy. Prescott, who had previously shown flashes of brilliance, has benefitted from Schottenheimer’s emphasis on balance in the offense, mixing both the passing and running games effectively. Schottenheimer’s schemes have helped create opportunities for Tony Pollard, the team’s star running back, while also leveraging Prescott’s ability to throw the ball downfield to CeeDee Lamb and other receivers. This balanced approach has made the Cowboys’ offense more versatile and difficult for opposing defenses to predict.
Despite the Cowboys’ continued struggles in certain areas, Schottenheimer’s calm and measured approach to game planning has earned him respect both within the organization and from fans. His steady hand on the offensive side of the ball has not only helped elevate players but also brought stability to a high-pressure unit. Schottenheimer’s ability to adapt to personnel, create explosive plays, and maintain control of the game clock has been crucial in keeping Dallas competitive in the NFC.
Why Brian Schottenheimer Is the Favorite to Be the Next Head Coach
While Schottenheimer’s offensive coordinator work has earned him accolades, it’s his traits as a leader, his understanding of team dynamics, and his connection with the Cowboys’ front office that make him a strong candidate to take over as head coach. Several factors have led to Schottenheimer being viewed as the favorite to succeed Mike McCarthy (or potentially take over in the future if McCarthy’s tenure doesn’t reach the desired success).
- Familiarity with the Team’s Systems:
One of the most important factors that make Schottenheimer a favorite to become head coach is his deep understanding of the Cowboys’ existing systems. As the offensive coordinator, Schottenheimer has worked closely with Jerry Jones, Mike McCarthy, and other key personnel within the organization. He understands the team’s strengths and weaknesses and has a grasp of how to maximize the talent on the roster. If McCarthy were to leave or be relieved of his duties, Schottenheimer would already be in place to step up without needing a lengthy transition period. This familiarity with the team and the organization’s goals positions him as a natural choice. - Leadership Qualities:
Being an offensive coordinator is only part of the equation for a potential head coach. Schottenheimer has demonstrated the leadership qualities required to manage a team in the high-pressure NFL environment. As a coach who has worked with multiple organizations, he knows how to navigate the demands of both coaching and maintaining a positive locker room culture. Schottenheimer has experience managing big personalities and working with elite players, which is crucial when handling the dynamics of a high-profile team like the Cowboys. His steady and level-headed demeanor has garnered respect from players, coaches, and front-office personnel alike. - Connection with Jerry Jones:
One of the most important relationships in any NFL franchise is that between the head coach and the owner. In Dallas, Jerry Jones plays a pivotal role in decision-making, and his approval is essential for any head coach. Schottenheimer has already earned the trust of Jones, who values stability, professionalism, and a strong football mind. The Cowboys’ owner has shown a willingness to give coaches opportunities and expects nothing less than championship-caliber football. Schottenheimer’s calm, methodical approach and ability to develop offensive talent align well with Jones’s expectations for success. - Improvement of the Cowboys’ Offense:
The Cowboys’ offense, under Schottenheimer’s guidance, has shown improvement in key areas. While some inconsistencies remain, Schottenheimer’s coaching has resulted in better offensive balance and more explosive plays. This improvement on the offensive side of the ball is vital for a Cowboys team looking to return to Super Bowl contention. Schottenheimer has also helped develop Dak Prescott into a more efficient quarterback, and this success gives him significant leverage as a head coach candidate. - Experience with Successful Teams:
Schottenheimer has had successful stints with several NFL teams and has experience working under coaches like Pete Carroll in Seattle and Jeff Fisher in St. Louis. His time spent with successful franchises has given him insight into what it takes to build a winning culture and sustain long-term success. Schottenheimer’s experience working in a variety of offensive systems also gives him a broad understanding of what works in the modern NFL. - Offensive-Focused Mindset:
Given the importance of offensive production in today’s NFL, the Cowboys could benefit from an offensive-minded head coach. Schottenheimer’s expertise as an offensive coordinator makes him an ideal candidate to lead a team with a talented quarterback in Dak Prescott and playmakers like CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard. The Cowboys have long been known for their strong offense, and Schottenheimer could further elevate this unit to championship-caliber levels.
What Schottenheimer Would Bring to the Cowboys as Head Coach
If Brian Schottenheimer were to become the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, he would bring several strengths to the position. First, his deep understanding of offensive football would continue to bolster the Cowboys’ already potent offense. Schottenheimer has a knack for creating game plans that capitalize on the strengths of his personnel, and this adaptability would allow him to maximize the talent on the roster.
Schottenheimer’s leadership would also be crucial in helping the Cowboys stay focused on their ultimate goal — winning a Super Bowl. His ability to work with players, keep them motivated, and build a winning culture would serve the team well. Additionally, Schottenheimer’s experience in navigating the highs and lows of the NFL would prepare him for the pressures that come with being the head coach of a team like the Cowboys, where expectations are sky-high every season.
Furthermore, Schottenheimer’s balanced offensive attack could make the Cowboys more dynamic. By continuing to mix the passing game with the running game, Schottenheimer could build an offense that’s difficult to defend and unpredictable in how it approaches each week’s matchup.
