Winners and losers of Cowboys’ Brian Schottenheimer hire: Jerry Jones raises eyebrows
The Dallas Cowboys have appointed Brian Schottenheimer as their 10th head coach in the franchise’s history. This somewhat surprising move sees the appointment of a man well-versed in the NFL to the top spot. For three seasons, Brian Schottenheimer has been part of the Cowboys organization. He most recently served as the team’s offensive coordinator. It wasn’t considered a given when the opening came available, but Brian’s promotion is making waves in Cowboys circles.
Here’s a breakdown of the potential winners and losers from this decision:
Continuity was key for the veteran quarterback heading into his 10th NFL season after a hamstring injury derailed his 2024 campaign. Prescott’s best year came in 2023, when he led the league with 36 touchdown passes and was a runner-up for MVP. With Schottenheimer closely observing what worked during that standout season, the hope is to recapture that level of performance. The new head coach and Prescott will aim to return to their 2023 form, especially after a disappointing 2024.
While associated with the Cowboys’ head coaching position, the former Dallas cornerback and current college coach is a future candidate and not an immediate solution. Sanders has not won a major conference title and might need more experience before he makes the jump to the NFL. His legendary status and familiarity with the Dallas market make him an interesting option down the line.
The Cowboys ranked 27th in rushing in 2024, but a late-season surge by Rico Dowdle, now a free agent, may indicate that Dallas will target a high-profile running back in the draft or free agency. Names like Ashton Jeanty, Najee Harris, and Omarion Hampton are being floated as potential additions to strengthen the backfield.
Brian Schottenheimer is thrust into a daunting but promising situation as he tries to do something his father, Marty Schottenheimer, could not: win a championship. While Marty accumulated 200 regular-season wins, playoff success remained elusive. Now, Brian has a chance to alter the narrative, taking over a team with star power and playoff potential.
The 82-year-old owner keeps all the powers with this hire. Schottenheimer will not be the sort of coach to confront Jones and strip him of all the authority the franchise is built upon.
While the move may prove inspired, Jones will face criticism from fans who felt he should have brought in a more high-profile hire. Many thought re-signing Mike McCarthy, pursuing Bill Belichick, or even bringing back former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore would have been more appealing options. This is more of a stopgap measure than a long-term play.
Heavy pressure weighs on a first-time head coach in Schottenheimer, who will likely be largely deprived of autonomy under Jerry Jones, who does not put much stock in the current woes of the Cowboys. It could be his only shot at being an NFL head coach. .
Former head coach of the Cowboys leaves behind a strong five-year legacy but finds himself in an uncertain position. His departure was a mutual decision, but McCarthy does not have a new role yet. He may not find a situation as favorable as he has in Dallas.
The star wide receiver had a record-setting 2023 season under Schottenheimer but saw a decline in production in 2024 due to injury and inconsistent play. Schottenheimer’s history of run-heavy offenses raises questions about Lamb’s future target volume and overall numbers.
Schottenheimer’s hiring embodies a mix of continuity and uncertainty. While this move is very much in Jerry Jones’ pocket, there are very significant risks that both Schottenheimer and the franchise will have to face. The Cowboys are trying to end their near 30-year-long Super Bowl drought, and for that, they will keep focusing on “America’s Team” and its new head coach.
