5 Things to Know About Cowboys HC Candidate Brian Schottenheimer
Brian Schottenheimer, a candidate for the head coach position with the Dallas Cowboys, has a long and distinguished career in the NFL as both an offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. His candidacy comes amid a period of significant change for the Cowboys, and his background provides valuable insight into what he might bring to the team.
Here are five key things to know about Schottenheimer as a potential head coach for the Cowboys:
1. Extensive Coaching Experience with Quarterbacks
Brian Schottenheimer has built his career around developing and mentoring quarterbacks, making him a highly sought-after coaching candidate in that area. He is particularly known for his work with young and talented quarterbacks, understanding the critical nuances of the position. Throughout his tenure in the NFL, Schottenheimer has coached some of the league’s top quarterbacks.
Schottenheimer started his NFL coaching career as a quarterback coach with the New York Jets in 2006, and he worked with various quarterbacks during his time there, including Brett Favre, Mark Sanchez, and Geno Smith. His time with Favre is often highlighted as a career-defining moment for Schottenheimer, as he helped the veteran quarterback produce some of his best seasons late in his career.
Following his successful tenure with the Jets, Schottenheimer served as the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Each stop in his career provided Schottenheimer with valuable experience working with quarterbacks in a variety of offensive systems. In Seattle, Schottenheimer was instrumental in the development of Russell Wilson, overseeing one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL during his time there. His ability to adjust the system to fit his quarterback’s strengths while maintaining a balanced offense was a key asset to both Wilson’s success and the Seahawks’ overall performance.
In recent years, Schottenheimer has been associated with more conservative offensive strategies, but he has also shown the ability to adapt to modern trends in the NFL, such as utilizing a balanced offensive attack that blends run-heavy schemes with play-action pass concepts. His work with quarterbacks in high-pressure situations is an important asset for any team, and it’s one that could play a pivotal role in helping the Cowboys’ current quarterback, Dak Prescott, continue to grow.
2. Familiarity with the Dallas Cowboys’ System
Schottenheimer is already familiar with the Dallas Cowboys’ system, having served as an offensive consultant for the team in 2020. Though this was a short-term role, his involvement gave him insight into the team’s structure and coaching staff. This familiarity could be advantageous if Schottenheimer were to take over the head coaching job, as he would have an understanding of how the Cowboys operate on both a tactical and organizational level.
One of the most important factors for any new head coach is the ability to come in and implement a system quickly, and Schottenheimer’s previous involvement with the team means he wouldn’t be starting from scratch. He’s already familiar with the personnel, including Dak Prescott, and would have an easier time understanding the intricacies of the Cowboys’ offensive system. Schottenheimer’s experience with NFL offenses has always included an emphasis on balance, and it’s likely that he would bring a similar philosophy to the Cowboys’ offense, blending the skills of the running back committee (currently led by Tony Pollard) with the talents of Prescott and the Cowboys’ receiving corps.
For a team like the Cowboys, who have consistently been in the playoff mix under head coach Mike McCarthy, Schottenheimer’s familiarity with the culture and structure could allow for a smoother transition if he were to be promoted to head coach. Moreover, his potential to build continuity while also implementing his vision for the future of the offense is crucial in maintaining team success.
3. A Proponent of the Run-Heavy, Play-Action Style of Offense
Schottenheimer’s coaching philosophy has often been characterized by a commitment to establishing the run game first. He believes that the success of a passing game is often tied to the effectiveness of a running game, and he has structured his offenses accordingly. This approach is likely to appeal to Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones, who has emphasized the importance of running the ball and controlling the line of scrimmage in recent seasons.
While Schottenheimer has evolved his offensive strategies over time to include a more pass-heavy approach in certain situations, his preference for a strong running attack and play-action passing is evident in many of the offenses he’s overseen. In Seattle, for example, Schottenheimer’s offenses ranked among the league’s top units in rushing attempts and rushing yards. This allowed the Seahawks to control the tempo of games and create favorable passing situations for Russell Wilson.
This commitment to balance has been crucial in his success as an offensive coordinator, and it fits well with the Cowboys’ current roster, which includes a dynamic running back like Tony Pollard and an experienced quarterback like Dak Prescott. The Cowboys’ offensive line is also considered one of the better units in the NFL, which provides an excellent foundation for a run-heavy offense. Schottenheimer’s offensive schemes, with an emphasis on physicality up front and dynamic passing off play action, could maximize the team’s strengths and take advantage of their personnel.
For the Cowboys, whose offense has sometimes struggled with consistency in recent seasons, Schottenheimer’s approach could bring much-needed stability. It would allow the team to take pressure off Prescott by leaning on the run game, while also using play-action to generate explosive passing opportunities.
4. Mixed Results as an Offensive Coordinator
While Schottenheimer has built a solid reputation as an offensive coordinator, his track record has been somewhat mixed. Some of his teams have been highly productive offensively, while others have struggled to find their footing. For example, during his time with the St. Louis Rams, Schottenheimer’s offense ranked near the bottom of the league in terms of efficiency. Similarly, his stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 was short-lived, as the team struggled to move the ball effectively.
On the other hand, Schottenheimer’s time with the Seattle Seahawks was more successful, as he helped turn the team’s offense into one of the most efficient in the league. Under Schottenheimer, the Seahawks had a top-five ranking in total rushing yards and also improved in passing efficiency. This demonstrates his ability to craft an offense that is competitive and productive, even if his other stops haven’t always had the same success.
This variability in his results as an offensive coordinator is a consideration for the Cowboys. However, it’s important to remember that Schottenheimer’s tenure with various teams was not always under ideal circumstances. In some cases, injuries and roster turnover affected the overall performance of his units. With a talented roster in Dallas, Schottenheimer might be able to achieve more consistency and success.
5. Reputation for Developing a Strong Team Culture
Beyond his technical skills as an offensive coach, Schottenheimer is known for his ability to foster a strong team culture. His approach to leadership emphasizes building relationships with players, creating trust, and encouraging open communication. He understands the importance of not just managing the X’s and O’s but also managing personalities and fostering a positive team environment.
During his time with the Jets, Schottenheimer developed strong relationships with his quarterbacks, which helped in their development. His leadership in Seattle was also well-regarded, as he helped the Seahawks navigate high-pressure situations while maintaining a level-headed approach to coaching. Schottenheimer’s ability to connect with his players on a personal level and provide the support they need to succeed could be invaluable for the Cowboys, who have some key players who could benefit from his mentorship.
If Schottenheimer were to become the head coach of the Cowboys, his focus on fostering a positive culture could help ensure that the team remains motivated and unified, even during the inevitable highs and lows of an NFL season. For a franchise like the Cowboys, where external pressure and expectations are consistently high, maintaining a strong locker room culture is crucial for long-term success.
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