Fans of the Dallas Cowboys are not thrilled as Brian Schottenheimer’s team gains momentum.

As the 2025 NFL season progresses, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a critical juncture in their pursuit of postseason success. Known for their storied history, passionate fanbase, and high expectations, the Cowboys have always been under intense scrutiny, particularly when it comes to their coaching decisions and on-field performance. This season, however, the growing sense of unease among many Cowboys fans stems from the unexpected momentum gained by the team under the guidance of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Despite his reputation and success in previous stints with other teams, many fans are expressing frustration, skepticism, and outright disappointment regarding his role in the Cowboys’ offense.

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the growing discontent among Cowboys fans as Schottenheimer’s influence on the team begins to take shape. We will look at his previous coaching history, the current state of the Cowboys’ offense, and the broader dynamics at play in the fanbase’s reaction. Additionally, we’ll delve into the potential long-term consequences for the Cowboys if Schottenheimer continues to lead the offense as the team struggles to meet the high expectations set for it.

Brian Schottenheimer’s Coaching History

Before examining the current sentiment surrounding Schottenheimer’s role with the Cowboys, it’s important to understand his background and coaching journey. Brian Schottenheimer, the son of longtime NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer, began his coaching career as an assistant for various teams, working his way up through the ranks. He gained notoriety as an offensive coordinator with the New York Jets, where he spent several years overseeing an offense that was known for its physical, run-heavy approach. Under his watch, the Jets reached the AFC Championship Game in 2009 and 2010, though they fell short of Super Bowl glory.

Schottenheimer’s tenure with the Jets, however, was marked by mixed results. While the team was successful at times, particularly on the ground, Schottenheimer’s play-calling was often criticized for being too conservative and predictable, especially in key moments. His inability to maximize the potential of the Jets’ passing game—despite having talented quarterbacks like Mark Sanchez—remains one of the key criticisms of his time in New York.

After leaving the Jets, Schottenheimer moved on to offensive coordinator roles with the St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks. In Seattle, he played a pivotal role in helping the Seahawks establish a solid offensive foundation, particularly in their run-first philosophy. However, Schottenheimer’s tenure with the Seahawks ended abruptly after the 2020 season, when he was let go due to philosophical differences with head coach Pete Carroll and offensive struggles that left many questioning his ability to adapt in today’s fast-paced, pass-heavy NFL.

It was this mixed track record that led some fans to be cautious when Schottenheimer was hired by the Cowboys in 2023 to serve as the team’s offensive coordinator. While he brings experience and a steady hand, the lack of a truly dynamic, innovative offense in his previous stops raised concerns among fans who were hoping for something more cutting-edge and explosive.

The Current State of the Cowboys’ Offense Under Schottenheimer

Since Schottenheimer took over as offensive coordinator for the Cowboys, the team’s offense has taken on a more conservative, ground-oriented identity. On one hand, this aligns with the Cowboys’ strengths, particularly with the presence of running back Tony Pollard, who has emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers. The team’s offensive line, which is among the most talented and experienced in the NFL, has also thrived in a run-first system.

However, this shift in philosophy has led to frustration from fans who expected the offense to take a more modern approach, leveraging the skills of quarterback Dak Prescott and utilizing the team’s wealth of receiving talent more effectively. Prescott, who is considered one of the league’s top quarterbacks when fully healthy, has seen his passing opportunities limited under Schottenheimer’s system. The emphasis on a more balanced and conservative offensive game plan has, in many ways, stifled Prescott’s ability to shine, leading some to believe that the offense is being held back by outdated schemes.

Additionally, wide receivers CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Brandin Cooks have not been able to make the same impact that many envisioned when they were first assembled. Lamb, in particular, has been seen as a potential game-changer, but his production has been inconsistent under Schottenheimer’s system. Fans had hoped that the passing game would become a focal point, allowing Prescott to develop a stronger rapport with his receivers, but that has not materialized as expected.

Perhaps most concerning for Cowboys fans is the failure to capitalize on key moments in big games. In previous seasons, the Cowboys’ offense has been able to put up big numbers in the regular season, but their lack of success in high-stakes games—especially in the playoffs—has continued under Schottenheimer. Despite the team’s offensive talent, the inability to make adjustments during crucial moments has left fans frustrated, as the offense seems too predictable and lacks the necessary explosiveness to succeed when it matters most.

The Growing Discontent Among Cowboys Fans

The frustration surrounding Schottenheimer’s role has been amplified by the online voices of Cowboys fans. With social media platforms, fan forums, and blogs serving as outlets for passionate opinions, many fans are vocalizing their discontent with the current state of the offense. There are several key reasons for this growing dissatisfaction:

1. Inability to Maximize Dak Prescott’s Potential

Dak Prescott is undoubtedly one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, but under Schottenheimer, many fans feel that his full potential has yet to be realized. Prescott has the arm strength, poise, and leadership qualities to be one of the league’s top quarterbacks, but his development has been hampered by Schottenheimer’s conservative offensive schemes. Fans have expressed their belief that Prescott is being asked to manage games rather than take control of them, which is not what is expected from a quarterback of his caliber.

The Cowboys’ offense is designed to be run-heavy, and while Pollard has performed admirably in that role, it feels as though the team is relying too heavily on a strategy that limits the opportunities for Prescott to air it out and showcase his skills. The frustration comes from a sense that the Cowboys are not fully utilizing their most important asset—the quarterback—and are instead clinging to a style of play that may not be suitable for the modern NFL.

2. Lack of Offensive Innovation

The NFL has evolved over the past decade into a league that favors high-scoring, pass-heavy offenses. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, and Buffalo Bills have demonstrated the effectiveness of dynamic, fast-paced offenses that can quickly strike and keep defenses on their heels. Unfortunately, Schottenheimer’s offense has often been described as outdated and too predictable, which contrasts sharply with the style of play that Cowboys fans have come to expect from a high-profile franchise like Dallas.

Fans have grown tired of seeing an offense that seems unwilling to adjust and innovate. Schottenheimer’s play calling has been criticized for its lack of creativity, with too many runs up the middle and predictable passing schemes. In a league where offenses are becoming more sophisticated, Schottenheimer’s reliance on old-school tactics has left many wondering if the Cowboys are stuck in the past.

3. Missed Opportunities in Big Games

Despite the Cowboys’ strong regular-season performances under Schottenheimer, the inability to succeed in big games has been a major point of contention for fans. In particular, the team’s failures in the playoffs have been particularly painful. The Cowboys have made the postseason but have often been knocked out early, unable to make deep runs or secure a Super Bowl appearance.

In these crucial moments, Schottenheimer’s offensive schemes have often seemed inadequate. Whether it’s been a failure to adapt to defensive adjustments or a lack of creativity in key situations, fans have been disappointed by the offense’s inability to step up when it matters most. For a team with championship aspirations, this lack of success in big games has only fueled the frustration with Schottenheimer’s leadership.

4. Overreliance on the Run Game

The Cowboys’ offense has often been described as “run-heavy,” which has been both a strength and a weakness. While Pollard has been excellent in his role as the team’s lead running back, fans have grown frustrated by the over-reliance on the run game, especially when the team has a capable quarterback and receiving corps. This overreliance on running the ball has limited the offense’s ability to adjust when opponents are able to stop the run, leading to stagnation and a lack of offensive variety.

The Road Ahead for Schottenheimer and the Cowboys

As the season progresses, the pressure on Schottenheimer continues to build. The Cowboys’ fanbase is one of the most loyal and passionate in the NFL, but they are also accustomed to success. The growing frustration with Schottenheimer’s offensive schemes and lack of innovation will only intensify if the team continues to falter in high-stakes games. Cowboys fans expect a team that can compete for Super Bowl titles, and under Schottenheimer’s leadership, they are beginning to feel that their team is not living up to those lofty expectations.

The question now becomes: can Schottenheimer adjust to the changing demands of the NFL and overcome the criticisms levied against him? Will he be able to find a way to unleash the full potential of Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense, or will his conservative approach continue to hold the team back? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the growing online backlash and discontent among fans is something that the Cowboys organization can’t ignore.