The Dallas Cowboys have officially named Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach, marking a significant change for the franchise. This announcement came on Friday night and follows a period of speculation after the Cowboys parted ways with Mike McCarthy, who had been at the helm for several seasons.
Schottenheimer, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Cowboys, will be stepping up to the head coaching role despite having no prior experience as a head coach. He has a wealth of experience in the NFL, spanning 25 years, including 14 as an offensive coordinator. His most recent tenure with the Cowboys began in 2022, where he played a crucial role in the team’s offensive strategy, particularly during the time he worked closely with quarterback Dak Prescott.
Prescott expressed his support for McCarthy, yet he will now be working under Schottenheimer, who has a longstanding familiarity with the offense. The new coach is the son of the late Marty Schottenheimer, a respected name in NFL history.
The Cowboys are hopeful that Schottenheimer’s experience will lead them to break a long playoff slump. The team has not advanced past the divisional round since 1995, despite making the postseason multiple times in recent years. Jones, the Cowboys’ owner, has seen seven coaches come and go since that last championship run, reflecting the franchise’s ongoing search for success.
During his time in Seattle as Russell Wilson’s offensive coordinator, Schottenheimer led the Seahawks to three consecutive top-10 scoring seasons. His approach will be aimed at reinvigorating the Cowboys’ offense, which faced challenges in the 2023 season, culminating in a disappointing 7-10 record.
Additionally, the hiring process for the Cowboys was described as thorough, with Schottenheimer being the only known candidate interviewed. As the Cowboys look toward their future, an introductory news conference is scheduled for Monday, where fans and media alike will have their first in-depth look at the team’s new direction under Schottenheimer.
This new chapter for the Cowboys provides a sense of hope for their fans as they seek to reclaim their place among the NFL’s elite teams. The transition underscores the franchise’s commitment to building a competitive roster and correcting its recent postseason disappointments.