Cowboys' Jerry Jones Explains Thought Process Behind Brian Schottenheimer Hire as HC
Feb 8, 2025
FRISCO, TEXAS - JANUARY 27: New head coach of the Dallas Cowboys Brian Schottenheimer listens as team owner Jerry Jones talks during a press conference at The Star in Frisco on January 27, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones feels quite confident about his choice to hire Brian Schottenheimer as the team's next head coach.
Jones spoke with Dianna Russini of The Athletic at the NFL Honors and explained that Schottenheimer's experience and family lineage factored heavily into the decision.
"I looked at 25 years of being on many staffs in the NFL," Jones said. "I looked at sitting around that dinner table with his daddy, Marty Schottenheimer, and I know what osmosis does. It doesn't fall far from the tree."
What did Jerry Jones see in Brian Schottenheimer to convince him he's the right person to lead the Cowboys forward?
Jones also noted the "ball of fire" he believes that Schottenheimer will have as a new coach, along with his experience and buy-in from the Cowboys players, made the hire an easy choice.
"What an opportunity to get a man, a coach, that's coming out of the shoot for the first time and the ball of fire that comes with that, and yet at the same time has his experience," Jones said. "Plus, his greatest rooting section is our players, people like Dak Prescott. So, when you add all of that up, this was risky because it's a first-time head coach, but we got here by taking risks."
Schottenheimer's father served as an NFL head coach for 21 seasons and Brian has served as a coach in a variety of roles since 1997. He has been an offensive coordinator for the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks and Cowboys and has also worked as a quarterbacks coach, passing game coordinator and a coaching analyst.
He has been with the Cowboys since 2022 and finally gets his first crack at a head coaching job. He takes over a team that went 7-10 in 2024 but was depleted by injuries and had just had three consecutive 12-win seasons.
Jerry Jones: I Wouldn't Have Signed Dak Prescott Contract If Cowboys Weren't Win-Now
Feb 7, 2025
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Jerry Jones says the decision to sign Dak Prescott to a four-year, $240 million contract last September was a sign the Dallas Cowboys are a win-now team.
"I wouldn't have signed Dak Prescott, the highest-paid player in the NFL, if now wasn't when we wanted to win," Jerry told The Athletic's Dianna Russini ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. "This is a shocker, to be here at this Super Bowl, and not have the Cowboys here. I didn't plan on that when I made that agreement.
"So we're going to do everything we can do get there... I know what it takes to get there, and we'll do those things."
“I wouldn’t have signed Dak Prescott — the highest-paid player in the NFL — if now wasn’t when we wanted to win.”
Deion Sanders: 'I Did Think About' Cowboys HC Job After Jerry Jones Discussion
Feb 7, 2025
SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 28: Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the field before the football game between BYU Cougars and Colorado Buffalos on December 28, 2024, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Deion Sanders said he thought about the possibility of coaching in the NFL after owner Jerry Jones reportedly reached out to him in January amid the Dallas Cowboys' search for a Mike McCarthy replacement.
The Colorado head coach did not formally interview for the job before Jones and the Cowboys promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to the role.
"It's intriguing. Now, I did think about it, like, what are the possibilities?" Sanders said in a Friday appearance on ESPN's First Take. "But I think at this point in time, I'm called to the college game.
"I'm called to the young men, I'm called to those cities, those towns, those communities. That's who I'm called for to make impact in that at this stage and age of my life."
Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reported in January that Sanders and Jones had spoken about the head coaching vacancy and that Sanders was "considered a top candidate" for the role.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that there was at least "some" mutual interest between the team and former player in the job.
The Cowboys ultimately targeted candidates with experience on NFL staffs, including Schottenheimer, Kellen Moore, Robert Saleh and Pete Carroll, in formal interviews for the position.
After the Schottenheimer hiring, Sanders said a recent talk with former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman on his Tubi talk show "We Got Time Today" (h/t Reuters) that he hadn't wanted to coach in the NFL in any case "because of the way they practice, the way they go about it."
Whether Sanders considers potential NFL head coaching jobs in the future could depend on where his sons end up after the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders has previously said he would "only" consider a pro coaching job if it was to work with Shedeur or Shilo Sanders, and Shedeur could be on track to be taken off the board on Day 1 of the upcoming draft.
Dez Bryant Talks Cowboys, Super Bowl, Favorite NFL WRs and More in B/R Interview
Feb 7, 2025
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - JUNE 19: Dez Bryant looks on during batting practice at the Barnstorm Birmingham Celebrity Softball Game between the Say Heys and the Hammers at Rickwood Field on June 19, 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
It's not exactly the best time to be the Dallas Cowboys.
After all, the Philadelphia Eagles are set to play in their second Super Bowl in three years on Sunday, while the future couldn't be much brighter for a Washington Commanders team that reached the NFC Championship with a rookie quarterback in Jayden Daniels.
The NFC East looks like it will be a daunting division for years to come, and the Cowboys responded by moving on from head coach Mike McCarthy and hiring Brian Schottenheimer even though he has no previous head-coaching experience.
Even Cowboys legend Dez Bryant isn't feeling that confident after the team's 7-10 season.
"I love my Cowboys, I'll always love my Cowboys," he told Bleacher Report on Thursday. "I'm going to bleed blue forever. But I can't be biased. I can't really speak negatively or positively on Schotty, but I'm going to go off of what my energy is telling me. I don't think it's going to be a successful year.
"I don't think there are enough pieces in place for my 'Boys to be successful. Do I pray that they'll be successful? Hell yeah because it would give me another reason to talk s--t to the Eagles fans and Commanders fans. But I don't see it. There's not enough support around my guy Dak."
Another one! CeeDee Lamb hauls in his second TD to make it a one-score game 👀
Part of the issue in 2024 was the reality that injuries limited Dak Prescott to just eight games, which prevented him from building on his Pro Bowl effort in 2023 when the team went 12-5 for the third straight season.
At least the quarterback will return in 2025 and continue working with Schottenheimer. While he is a question mark at head coach, he provides continuity after he was the O.C. in Dallas the past two years. He also has an offensive background that includes stops as the O.C. for the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks.
Having CeeDee Lamb will help as well.
Lamb is part of a long tradition of star wide receivers in Dallas and is carrying on the legacy of Michael Irvin, Terrell Owens, Bryant and others. And he was the first pass-catcher Bryant mentioned when discussing his favorite receivers in today's NFL.
Bryant is better-suited than most to evaluate wide receiver play seeing how he tallied more than 1,200 receiving yards and double-digit touchdown catches three straight years from 2012 to 2014. The three-time Pro Bowler also led the NFL with 16 touchdown catches during that 2014 campaign.
While he highlighted Lamb, Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown and A.J. Brown, he also admires what a division rival brings to the table.
"I really love Terry McLaurin, he's shown he's a top-tier receiver when he's got a legit quarterback getting him the rock."
McLaurin, who surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth straight year, is another reason alongside Daniels the future looks so bright for the Commanders after they fell a game short of the Super Bowl.
Instead, it will be Brown representing the star NFC East receivers on the sport's biggest stage, although Bryant will be paying attention to the game for another reason as well.
After all, he partnered with Fanatics Sportsbook as its official host of the big game. As part of his partnership, he traveled around the host city, New Orleans, to spread the word about its FanCash Drop that gave the first 1,000 customers to bet on his parlay $100 in FanCash.
We’re taking over NOLA 🤯 Stay glued all weekend for big views from the inside 👀 pic.twitter.com/54GLWZxJBs
You heard the man 🤠 The first 1,000 people to ride @DezBryant Big Game Parlay get blessed with $100 in FanCash — use it on bets or on merch at https://t.co/9xdUlqmhLm. Head to the app to cash in before it’s gone 👉 pic.twitter.com/Sk0wFFd0SI
Bryant highlighted the ability to earn FanCash with every bet that can then be used on Fanatics' website and app. So what is Bryant's favorite bet for the Super Bowl?
"I really like Kareem Hunt for first touchdown," he said. "Anytime touchdown for sure, but I like first touchdown."
That would be a welcome development for the Chiefs, who continue to rule the NFL. Sunday will mark their fifth Super Bowl in six years, and they are looking to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Lombardi Trophies.
Patrick Mahomes is already in discussions among the best quarterbacks of all-time at 29 years old and can add to his legacy with yet another excellent performance. But he might not even be the biggest difference-maker on Sunday in Bryant's eyes.
"The biggest difference-maker is Taylor Swift," he said of Kansas City's most famous fan while laughing. "I'm rooting for the Swifties. It's the Kansas City Taylor Swifts."
That Kansas City will be playing the Cowboys' rival in the Eagles is even more motivation for Bryant to back the two-time reigning champions. But this is another chance for Philadelphia seeing how it is a rematch of Super Bowl LVII from two years ago.
Kansas City escaped that one with a narrow 38-35 win but didn't have to deal with arguably the league's best running back in Saquon Barkley like it will this time around in New Orleans.
Yet Bryant doesn't think the result will be different.
"I like the Chiefs," he said. "I love Andy Reid, I love the way he and Patrick Mahomes are in sync. I love that they found their formula, and it's hard to beat. They've got the right approach to the game of football, they know how to manage the clock, they know how to get the right players involved. They've got different styles and ways to play the game. A lot of teams can't do it the way they do it, which makes it hard to defend."
Being that hard to defend may mean the first-ever Super Bowl three-peat on Sunday.
Jerry Jones: 'I Get Sick' Thinking Cowboys Have to Face Jayden Daniels Twice a Year
Feb 7, 2025
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 3: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looks on prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 3, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones isn't looking forward to the Cowboys facing off against Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels twice a year moving forward.
"I get sick when I think the Cowboys have got to play him twice a year for the rest of his career," Jones said in an interview at Thursday's NFL Honors. "I would say this, we played him pretty good in Washington and we played him pretty good for a half when we got him down to Dallas. But he's a great talent, unique."
Jerry Jones talkin Jayden Daniels 👀 “I get sick thinking about playing him twice a year …” pic.twitter.com/0lxlGPD6Ch
The Cowboys and Commanders split the two regular-season meetings between the NFC East foes in 2024.
Daniels completed 62 percent of his throws for 313 yards and two touchdowns compared to a pair of interceptions in two starts against Dallas. He also rushed for 101 yards and a score on 11 attempts.
With Daniels coming off an impressive rookie season, it's clear that Washington's future opponents aren't excited to face off against the dual-threat quarterback.
Micah Parsons: Cowboys 'Struggled So Much' Derrick Henry 'Wouldn't Even Have Helped'
Feb 5, 2025
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 09: Former Penn State and current Dallas Cowboys player Micah Parsons looks on during the Penn State Nittany Lions versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Orange Bowl on January 9, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys struggled tremendously in 2024, and star edge Micah Parsons didn't sugarcoat how bad his team was.
Parsons said even if Dallas had Derrick Henry, one of the best running backs in the NFL this year, it wouldn't have done much.
"I'm afraid Derrick Henry wouldn't even have helped us," Parsons said during an appearance with Adam Schein of Mad Dog Sports Radio (h/t Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper). "We were that — Derrick Henry should be blessed because he played with Lamar and he almost runs for 2,000 yards. The hypothetical can sound pretty good, but we struggled so much that I don't even know if Derrick could've helped us. It would've been another Tennessee Titan year for him."
When Derrick Henry was a free agent last offseason, many criticized the Cowboys for not at least attempting to go after him. Ultimately, he joined the Baltimore Ravens. Had he signed with Dallas, it's hard to say how much better things would have been.
Joining the Ravens was seemingly the best move for Henry, as he put together one of the best seasons of his career with 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.
Dallas, meanwhile, had its worst season since 2020, finishing the year 7-10.
NFL News: Klayton Adams, Cowboys Agree to OC Contract on Brian Schottenheimer's Staff
Jan 31, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 16: Tight ends coach Klayton Adams of the Indianapolis Colts is seen during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams have agreed to a deal to make him the franchise's next offensive coordinator, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo initially reported Adams was considered "the favorite" for the job as he prepared to have his second interview with the Cowboys on Friday.
Adams had a virtual interview with the Cowboys on Tuesday, per The MMQB's Conor Orr.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Thursday that Ken Dorsey was also being considered for the job, with the two sides working to schedule an interview. ESPN's Todd Archer added that the Cowboys interviewed Detroit Lions running backs coach Scottie Montgomery for their vacant OC position.
Entering the 2023 season, Orr put together a list of the top head-coaching candidates in the future for NFL teams. Adams was included in that group after being "highly recommended by one offensive NFL coach."
Orr noted Adams was a key architect in building Arizona's rushing attack for the 2024 season. The Cardinals ranked seventh in the NFL with 144.2 rushing yards per game. Their 5.3 yards per attempt was tied for the second-best in the league, behind only the Baltimore Ravens (5.8).
Adams spent 14 seasons working in the college ranks starting in 2005 when he was a graduate assistant at Boise State. He had stops at five different universities, highlighted by being co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Colorado in 2018.
Then-Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich gave Adams his break into the NFL when he hired him as assistant offensive line coach in 2019. He remained with the Colts for four seasons, then joined the Cardinals in 2023.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters during Brian Schottenheimer's introductory press conference as head coach on Monday that Schottenheimer will call plays for the offense.
The new offensive coordinator will work closely with Schottenheimer to install the game plans during the week and help with any calls or adjustments that need to be made within the course of a game.
Schottenheimer is taking over after Mike McCarthy's tenure with the Cowboys ended when the two sides were unable to agree to terms on a new contract. They finished 7-10 this season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Cowboys Rumors: Ken Dorsey Considered as Possible OC Under Brian Schottenheimer
Jan 30, 2025
CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 17: Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey of the Cleveland Browns looks on prior to a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Now that Brian Schottenheimer has been officially introduced as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, the next order of business will be to fill out his staff.
Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys are considering Ken Dorsey as their next offensive coordinator but no interview has been officially scheduled at this point.
Schottenheimer has already hired former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator.
One key detail that came up during Schottenheimer's introductory press conference on Monday was Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirming the first-year head coach will be the offensive play-caller in 2025.
"Let me say this, we wanted Brian to call the plays," Jones said. "We cherish his relationship with our players. We want him to call the plays. As my mind, and our minds, would drift around to alternatives, I believe—he doesn't have to speak to this, but I believe—if he doesn't call the plays, he's probably not with the Cowboys."
Some of this could also be Jones wanting to maintain some continuity for the offense. Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator in Dallas on Mike McCarthy's staff for the past two seasons, though he didn't call plays.
McCarthy took over as the offensive play-caller starting with the 2023 season after Kellen Moore's departure.
Dorsey has three years of experience as an offensive coordinator. He spent two seasons in that role for the Buffalo Bills in 2022 and 2023, though he was fired in November 2023 after a stretch that saw them lose four of six games when the offense was struggling to be consistent.
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski added Dorsey to his staff for the 2024 campaign. Nothing went right for the offense this offense, but it's hard to pin the blame on Dorsey for all of the problems.
There was also a juggling of offensive play-calling duties in Cleveland. Stefanski started the year doing it, but passed the baton to Dorsey starting in Week 8. Jameis Winston averaged 315.3 passing yards per game with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions in his first six starts with Dorsey calling plays.
The Browns fired Dorsey on Jan. 5 after they finished 3-14. Dallas is looking for a quick turnaround in 2025 after missing the playoffs with a 7-10 record this season.
Schefter: Ashton Jeanty 'Perfect Fit' for Cowboys in 2025 NFL Draft; 'So Logical'
Jan 30, 2025
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Running Back Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos runs the ball during the Penn State Nittany Lions versus Boise State Broncos College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on December 31,2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys had a glaring hole at the running back position in 2024, and one expert thinks it's a no-brainer for them to address that deficiency in the 2025 NFL draft.
During Thursday's episode of Get Up, ESPN's Adam Schefter declared Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty to be a perfect fit for the Cowboys, who own the No. 12 pick in the first round.
"Has there ever been a running back in one draft that is more perfect a fit than Ashton Jeanty is for the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12? We're gonna wait for this to happen like, to me, it is so logical for them to go there because they have to do something at that spot to upgrade that position..." Schefter said around the 3:10 mark.
Jeanty finished second in the voting for the 2024 Heisman Trophy after a sensational season in which he rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, barely falling short of Barry Sanders' single-season FBS rushing record of 2,628 yards set in 1988. He declared for the 2025 NFL draft earlier this month, and B/R's NFL Scouting Department ranked him as the No. 1 running back and No. 7 overall player in the class.
The Cowboys ranked 27th in the NFL with 100.3 rushing yards per game amid their disappointing 7-10 finish to the 2024 season. Fifth-year running back Rico Dowdle produced a career-high 1,079 yards on 235 carries, but he wasn't the game-changing ball carrier that Dallas needed. The team totaled just six rushing touchdowns on the year.
Jeanty would be an instant difference-maker and a perfect fit for a Cowboys offense that has long been predicated on the passing attack with quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. It would be a massive surprise if Dallas passes up on the opportunity to add a player of his caliber with the No. 12 pick.
Cowboys Rumors: Jerry Jones Didn't Want to Give Mike McCarthy 5-Year HC Contract
Jan 30, 2025
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy looks on during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Mike McCarthy's tenure with the Dallas Cowboys came to an end in part because he couldn't agree to terms on a new contract, but it hadn't been clear until now exactly what the difference was between the two sides.
Per ESPN's Todd Archer, Jerry Jones didn't waver on his offer of three years, while McCarthy was seeking a five-year deal.
Financial terms of the Cowboys' offer to McCarthy are unknown.
The Cowboys officially announced McCarthy wouldn't return as head coach in a statement from Jones on Jan. 13.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported at the time the split was because the two sides couldn't agree to terms on a new contract.
McCarthy's original deal with the Cowboys, signed in January 2020, was for five years. His contract expired at the end of this season, but the team had an exclusive negotiating window that ran out on Jan. 14.
Jones' actions and some of his comments seem to suggest he's not interested in paying top-of-the-market money for a head coach.
Jerry Jones kept talking about wanting a coach that would agree to an incentives based contract. But I argued the market pays otherwise 🤷🏼♀️then he said he didn’t want anyone who didn’t want to be here but I argued if someone doesn’t make you feel like you are wanted why would you?…
We don't know the financial terms of what McCarthy was being offered, nor could it be argued that McCarthy should be paid like one of the top head coaches in the NFL, but he was successful during his tenure with a 49-35 record and three playoff appearances in five seasons.
Jones didn't make things better by saying during Brian Schottenheimer's introductory press conference as the new Cowboys head coach that it was "as big a risk as you can take."
Schottenheimer was able to negotiate a four-year deal from Jones to get the job, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
This will be the first head-coaching gig for Schottenheimer, who spent the past two seasons as Cowboys offensive coordinator. He began his coaching career in 1997 as an assistant with the St. Louis Rams.
The Cowboys will be hoping for a quick turnaround under Schottenheimer after a disappointing 7-10 record in 2024.
