The latest frontrunner to coach the Cowboys is Brian Schottenheimer.

The Dallas Cowboys have long been a team with high expectations, and their pursuit of another Super Bowl title has been an ongoing storyline for decades. Despite boasting a wealth of talent over the years, they have consistently failed to meet the lofty standards that come with being one of the most iconic franchises in NFL history. As a result, head coach Mike McCarthy’s job has been a subject of scrutiny, especially given his team’s continued struggles in the postseason. With a roster loaded with talent, including quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and a standout defense, many have started to wonder if the Cowboys might be on the brink of another coaching change.

One name that has recently emerged as a strong frontrunner for the Cowboys’ head coaching position is Brian Schottenheimer, who currently serves as the team’s offensive coordinator. Schottenheimer, whose name has been around the NFL for over two decades, has built a reputation as an offensive mind with a versatile approach to the game. His background, coaching experience, and ability to manage offensive schemes make him an intriguing candidate to become the next head coach of America’s Team.

Schottenheimer’s Coaching Journey: From Quarterbacks to Offensive Coordinator

Brian Schottenheimer has carved out a successful coaching career with stops across the NFL, spanning both assistant and coordinator roles. Born into a football family, with his father, Marty Schottenheimer, being a well-regarded NFL head coach, Brian was exposed to the intricacies of coaching from an early age. He quickly made a name for himself in the NFL, largely due to his ability to adapt to different quarterbacks and offensive systems.

Schottenheimer’s NFL coaching career began as a quarterbacks coach with the San Diego Chargers in 2006. He quickly gained a reputation for developing quarterbacks, including Philip Rivers, helping to refine his skills and elevate his play during his early years with the Chargers. Schottenheimer’s work with Rivers in particular led to increased recognition and, in 2011, he was hired as the St. Louis Rams’ offensive coordinator, where he worked to improve a struggling offensive unit.

From there, Schottenheimer bounced around the league in offensive coordinator roles, with stints in New York with the Jets, Seattle, and Jacksonville. His time with the Jets, in particular, was successful, as he helped shape an offense that led the team to the AFC Championship game in 2009, albeit with a more conservative offensive approach built around a strong running game and an effective, yet limited, passing attack.

Over the years, Schottenheimer’s philosophy has evolved, from emphasizing a power-run game to developing more balanced and dynamic offenses. His versatility has allowed him to adapt to different styles of quarterbacks and team-building philosophies. While Schottenheimer has faced mixed results in terms of overall success and consistency, he’s demonstrated the ability to develop offenses that are potent when they align with the strengths of his roster.

Schottenheimer’s Work with the Cowboys

Since joining the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 as their offensive coordinator, Schottenheimer has had a significant impact on the team’s offensive philosophy. Under head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys’ offense has shifted to focus on a more balanced attack that places a premium on the run game while still allowing for flexibility in the passing game.

With Dak Prescott under center, Schottenheimer has worked to refine his mechanics and offensive understanding, striving for a more efficient and dynamic offense. The Cowboys have emphasized running back Tony Pollard and, at times, Ezekiel Elliott, while also giving Prescott more opportunities to make plays downfield with weapons like CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Cooks.

Schottenheimer’s work as an offensive coordinator has been marked by a balanced approach that strives to keep defenses off-balance. While the Cowboys’ offense is still evolving under Schottenheimer’s leadership, his efforts to elevate the offensive line and improve the efficiency of the team’s offense have not gone unnoticed. With Schottenheimer leading the charge, the Cowboys have shown flashes of offensive brilliance, especially in 2024, when their offense clicked on all cylinders in both the running and passing game.

With an already talented roster, Schottenheimer’s offensive approach seems to mesh well with the Cowboys’ identity and could be what the team needs to finally break through in the postseason. His ability to adjust and manage a variety of offensive schemes and philosophies makes him an intriguing candidate to be the team’s next head coach.

Why Schottenheimer Could Be the Right Choice

As Jerry Jones and the Cowboys look to build their next Super Bowl contender, the team is likely seeking a head coach who can manage and elevate the talents on the roster. Schottenheimer, with his deep understanding of offensive football and his ability to adapt to various styles of play, fits this mold.

1. Offensive Experience and Flexibility

In the modern NFL, a team’s success is often determined by the ability to develop an explosive and efficient offense. The Cowboys have struggled to reach the Super Bowl despite having offensive talent across the board, and part of the issue has been a lack of consistency and creativity in their offensive playcalling. Schottenheimer has shown time and again that he can adjust his system to fit the personnel at his disposal.

Whether it’s his work with Philip Rivers in San Diego or helping the Jets reach the AFC Championship game, Schottenheimer has demonstrated an understanding of how to build an offense that works in the long term. Under Schottenheimer’s guidance, the Cowboys have seen their offense develop into a more balanced, versatile unit, and that’s something Jerry Jones will certainly take into account if the team is looking for a new leader.

2. Experience with Quarterbacks

One of the key elements to Schottenheimer’s success has been his ability to work with quarterbacks. Dak Prescott is undeniably the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ offense, and Schottenheimer’s history of developing quarterbacks makes him an appealing option to take over the entire team. Schottenheimer’s experience with quarterbacks such as Philip Rivers and Mark Sanchez shows that he has the patience and insight to bring out the best in signal-callers.

If Schottenheimer can continue to develop Prescott into a more efficient and effective quarterback, the Cowboys could be well-positioned to break their playoff curse. With an improving offensive line, strong skill players, and a quarterback in Prescott who is capable of greatness, Schottenheimer could be the missing piece to help the team finally take the next step.

3. Leadership and Chemistry

Another important factor to consider when evaluating a potential head coach is leadership. Schottenheimer’s experience as a coordinator has helped him cultivate a reputation for being a strong leader in the locker room. While McCarthy’s leadership has been questioned at times due to his inability to lead the team past the divisional round, Schottenheimer’s communication and connection with players could provide the spark needed to drive the Cowboys forward.

Schottenheimer’s time working with established veterans, along with his ability to handle different personalities, makes him well-suited for the high-pressure environment that is Dallas. His leadership could create the type of chemistry and cohesiveness required to get the best out of the players, coaches, and the front office. Additionally, Schottenheimer’s willingness to empower his assistants and collaborate with other coaches further boosts his leadership credentials.

Challenges and Considerations

While Schottenheimer has certainly proven himself as a capable offensive mind, there are still concerns regarding his ability to succeed as a head coach. His previous tenures as an offensive coordinator have produced mixed results, and some critics question whether his systems can consistently generate the kind of long-term success necessary for an NFL head coach.

Additionally, Schottenheimer’s offensive philosophy has occasionally been criticized for being overly conservative, relying on the run game without fully taking advantage of the passing attack. In today’s NFL, teams often need to strike a balance between ground-and-pound football and an explosive passing game, and whether Schottenheimer can adjust to the ever-evolving league will be key to his success as a head coach.

Lastly, Schottenheimer’s relative lack of experience as a head coach may raise questions about whether he’s ready for the high-pressure environment of being the Cowboys’ leader. However, his time as a coordinator and the trust he has earned from players could offset these concerns.