3 good things about new Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer and 2 bad things

Dallas Cowboys have named Schottenheimer as their 10th head coach in franchise history.
Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer during training camp at the River Ridge Fields.
Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys have concluded their head coaching search, hiring Brian Schottenheimer to become the 10th head coach in the franchise's history. The announcement came Friday evening, marking a new chapter in Dallas.

A familiar face, Schottenheimer steps into the role after orchestrating the Cowboys' offense as the offensive coordinator for the past two seasons, despite not calling plays. He succeeds Mike McCarthy, whose tenure ended following the team's disappointing 7-10 finish in 2024.

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The son of the late great Marty Schottenheimer joined the Cowboys in 2022 as a coaching analyst before succeeding Kellen Moore, who was also a candidate for the job, following Moore's departure after the 2022 season.

With Schottenheimer now in place, the Cowboys' front office can focus on improving the roster for the 2025 season. With free agency approaching and preparations for the NFL Draft intensifying, there is plenty of work ahead.

Before we get deeper into the offseason let's analyze at the good and bad of Dallas' newest leader.


The Good

Brian Schottenheimer - Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Deuce Vaughn celebrate a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Extensive NFL Experience

With 25 years of NFL coaching experience, Schottenheimer brings knowledge from stints with several teams.

Past stops include, the San Diego Chargers (2002-2005), New York Jets (2006-2011), St. Louis Rams (2012-2014), and Seattle Seahawks (2018-2020) with playoff appearances with three of those four teams including back-to-back AFC championship games as the offensive coordinator with the Jets in 2009 and 2010.

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Quarterback Track Record

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Nov 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Schottenheimer has a successful track record of collaborating with elite quarterbacks.

He guided a young Drew Brees during his time with the Chargers, and during his tenure in Seattle, Russell Wilson achieved career-highs in touchdown passes, completions, and quarterback rating between 2018 and 2020.

More recently, he helped orchestrate a Dak Prescott breakout season in his first year as offensive coordinator culminating in a second-place finish in the 2023 MVP voting.

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System Continuity

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Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Having served as the Cowboys' offensive coordinator for the past two seasons, Schottenheimer provides the continuity owner Jerry Jones sought for the offense.

Under his guidance, the Cowboys' 2023 offense ranked among the NFL's elite, finishing first in points and first downs gained, fifth in yards, and second in the league in third-down percentage.

Despite a decline in performance in 2024 caused by injuries, production issues, and questionable personnel decisions, Dallas still ranked in the top half for passing and positioned itself in the middle of the pack for total yards. By maintaining stability in their system and focusing on health, the team could work towards rebuilding their previous success.


The Bad

Brian Schottenheimer - Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer watch a play in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Conservative Play-Calling History

Schottenheimer's career has been marked by criticism for conservative play-calling, particularly during his years with the Seahawks, Jets, and Jaguars.

Despite leading the Seahawks to a franchise-record scoring season in 2020, his tenure in Seattle was often strained due to perceived limitations on Wilson's improvisational style and questionable play calling.

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His time as Jaguars quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator during Trevor Lawrence's rookie season under Urban Meyer was challenging, as the offense ranked last in points scored (14.9) in 2021. This period was significantly affected by organizational dysfunction beyond his control.

It is important to note that the veteran coach has not called plays since his only season in Jacksonville four years ago.

Lack of Production

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Despite notable successes, including the Cowboys' explosive 2023 campaign and setting a Seahawks franchise scoring record (459 points) in 2020, Schottenheimer's overall track record as an offensive coordinator has drawn mixed reviews.

Throughout his tenures with the Jets, Rams, Georgia Bulldogs, and Seahawks, his offenses frequently ranked in the bottom half of their respective leagues, often criticized for conservative play-calling and predictable game plans.

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