Cowboys Coaching Search: Dallas to Interview OC Brian Schottenheimer, Per Reports
As the Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 offseason intensifies, the team is narrowing its search for a new head coach, following years of postseason disappointment under Mike McCarthy. McCarthy’s inability to lead the Cowboys beyond the NFC Divisional Round has raised questions about his future with the team, prompting owner Jerry Jones to evaluate a wide array of candidates who could push the Cowboys to greater heights.
In the latest development of the coaching search, reports have surfaced that the Cowboys will interview Brian Schottenheimer, the team’s offensive coordinator, as a potential candidate for the head coach position. Schottenheimer, 51, has had a long and diverse coaching career in the NFL, working with several prominent teams and quarterbacks. His extensive experience, combined with his recent success with the Cowboys’ offense, has positioned him as a key figure in Dallas’s coaching search.
The decision to interview Schottenheimer is an intriguing one, as it highlights the Cowboys’ growing interest in promoting from within. While many had assumed the Cowboys would look to hire a high-profile head coach from outside the organization, Schottenheimer’s candidacy raises the question: Could the team be willing to take the risk of sticking with an internal hire, or will Jerry Jones ultimately look elsewhere for a fresh perspective?
This article will dive into the significance of Schottenheimer’s interview with the Cowboys, analyze his coaching background, and explore what he could bring to the team as the next head coach. Additionally, we will look at how Schottenheimer’s candidacy fits into the broader context of the Cowboys’ head coaching search and what this move could mean for the franchise’s future.
Brian Schottenheimer: The Coach Behind the Offense
Brian Schottenheimer is no stranger to NFL coaching circles. Over the course of his career, he has developed a reputation as a solid offensive coordinator with the ability to adapt his schemes to the strengths of his quarterbacks. Schottenheimer has served in various coaching roles for multiple teams, but his most recent stint with the Dallas Cowboys has brought him into the spotlight. His tenure as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator has been marked by a balanced and efficient attack, centered around the strengths of Dak Prescott.
Schottenheimer’s coaching career began in the early 2000s, when he joined the New York Jets as an offensive assistant. From there, he worked his way up the coaching ranks, eventually becoming the offensive coordinator for the Jets in 2006. He helped guide the Jets’ offense through a successful period, including multiple playoff appearances, but his tenure ended after a disappointing 2011 season. Schottenheimer then spent time with the St. Louis Rams and the Seattle Seahawks, working as an offensive coordinator in both places. His most successful stint came in Seattle, where he played a key role in the Seahawks’ offense during their Super Bowl-winning seasons.
In 2021, Schottenheimer was hired by the Cowboys to be their offensive coordinator, where he worked closely with McCarthy and Prescott. Schottenheimer’s ability to adapt the Cowboys’ offense to Prescott’s strengths, particularly his deep passing ability and mobility, helped elevate the team’s offensive output in 2021 and 2022. Under Schottenheimer’s guidance, the Cowboys’ offense became more balanced and efficient, with a steady combination of passing and running plays designed to keep defenses guessing.
While Schottenheimer’s time as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator has been marked by success, the question remains whether his offensive expertise could translate into the leadership required to be an effective head coach. Schottenheimer’s candidacy is intriguing in part because of his experience working with a variety of quarterbacks and offenses. His adaptability, combined with his calm demeanor and leadership skills, may be exactly what the Cowboys need in a head coach to take them to the next level.
Schottenheimer’s NFL Coaching Journey: A Blend of Experience and Adaptability
Brian Schottenheimer’s long coaching journey has taken him through a variety of systems and teams, giving him the kind of broad experience that can serve him well in a head coaching role. Throughout his career, Schottenheimer has worked with some of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, including Mark Sanchez, Russell Wilson, and now Dak Prescott. His ability to adapt his offensive schemes to fit the strengths of his quarterbacks has been a hallmark of his career.
During his time with the Jets, Schottenheimer worked with Sanchez, helping him to reach the AFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons (2009 and 2010). Although Sanchez was often viewed as a game manager, Schottenheimer’s playcalling helped the Jets’ offense function effectively despite its limitations. Schottenheimer’s work with Sanchez demonstrated his ability to build a system that maximized the quarterback’s strengths while minimizing his weaknesses.
Schottenheimer’s most notable success came during his time with the Seahawks, where he served as the offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2017. Under Schottenheimer, the Seahawks built a power-running offense centered around Marshawn Lynch, while also developing a downfield passing game led by Russell Wilson. Schottenheimer’s offense helped the Seahawks win Super Bowl XLVIII and reach multiple NFC Championship Games, including one against the Cowboys in 2014. His work with Wilson, who became one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL during this period, highlighted Schottenheimer’s ability to develop quarterbacks and create a balanced offense.
In recent years, Schottenheimer’s time with the Cowboys has continued to showcase his ability to adapt. Working with Prescott, Schottenheimer has been able to build an offense that blends the best of both worlds—high-powered passing plays and a strong, physical running game led by Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. This versatility, along with Schottenheimer’s understanding of modern offensive schemes, makes him a candidate worth considering for the head coaching position.
What Schottenheimer Would Bring to the Cowboys as Head Coach
If the Cowboys were to promote Brian Schottenheimer to head coach, he would bring several qualities that could help elevate the team in both the short and long term. While Schottenheimer has not yet been a head coach in the NFL, his leadership and adaptability could be an asset for the Cowboys, particularly as they seek to finally break through and win a Super Bowl.
1. Offensive Expertise
One of the biggest strengths Schottenheimer would bring to the head coaching position is his offensive acumen. Under Schottenheimer’s leadership, the Cowboys offense has ranked among the league’s best, with Prescott consistently throwing for over 4,000 yards and the running game remaining effective. Schottenheimer has demonstrated an ability to adjust his playcalling to fit the strengths of his players, a quality that would be crucial as head coach. His knowledge of offensive systems could help elevate the Cowboys’ offensive attack, which would be especially valuable given the team’s offensive talent.
2. Leadership and Communication
Schottenheimer’s experience working with quarterbacks throughout his career has helped him develop strong leadership skills and the ability to communicate effectively with players. His calm demeanor and ability to motivate players in high-pressure situations could be crucial for a Cowboys team that has historically struggled to perform in postseason games. Schottenheimer’s ability to relate to players and understand their needs could help foster a positive locker room environment, which is key to building a successful team culture.
3. Adaptability and Flexibility
As a coach who has worked with a variety of quarterbacks and offensive systems, Schottenheimer has proven himself to be adaptable and flexible in his approach. Whether it was tailoring the offense to suit Mark Sanchez’s strengths or building a Super Bowl-winning system around Russell Wilson, Schottenheimer has shown that he can adjust his gameplans to fit the players on his roster. This adaptability would be crucial for the Cowboys, particularly given the team’s changing roster and the need for a head coach who can adjust to the evolving demands of the NFL.
4. Stability and Continuity
Promoting Schottenheimer to head coach would provide the Cowboys with stability and continuity. After years of instability at the top, a familiar face in the coaching staff could provide a sense of continuity for both the players and the coaching staff. With Schottenheimer already familiar with the Cowboys’ offensive system and personnel, the team would not have to undergo a major overhaul, which could allow for a smoother transition and less disruption.
The Broader Context of the Cowboys’ Head Coaching Search
While Schottenheimer’s candidacy is intriguing, it must be viewed within the broader context of the Cowboys’ head coaching search. The franchise has been linked to several other high-profile candidates, including former NFL head coaches and coordinators from other teams. However, Schottenheimer’s interview is an indication that the Cowboys may be leaning toward promoting from within, rather than bringing in an external candidate.
The question remains: Will Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office be satisfied with an internal promotion, or will they decide to pursue a more high-profile name? The team has already been through several seasons of disappointment in the postseason, and there is no guarantee that sticking with Schottenheimer will lead to better results. However, the potential for growth and improvement within the organization, combined with Schottenheimer’s offensive expertise, makes him a strong candidate for the job.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for the Cowboys
As the Cowboys’ head coaching search moves forward, Brian Schottenheimer’s interview represents a critical decision point for the organization. Will Jerry Jones stick with an internal hire, or will he decide to bring in a new voice from outside the organization? Schottenheimer has demonstrated the skills and leadership qualities needed to succeed, but whether he is the right fit to take the Cowboys to the next level remains to be seen.
The pressure is on for Jones and the Cowboys to make the right choice, as the team’s Super Bowl aspirations continue to grow. With Schottenheimer as a potential candidate, the Cowboys are presented with an interesting option—one that could provide the stability and offensive ingenuity needed to finally secure that elusive championship. Whether Schottenheimer ultimately gets the job or not, the decision will define the Cowboys’ future for years to come.
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