In a move that caught many by surprise, the Dallas Cowboys have named Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach for the 2025 NFL season. The decision comes after an extensive search to replace Mike McCarthy, who parted ways with the team in January following another disappointing playoff exit.
Schottenheimer, 51, has been with the Cowboys organization since 2022, first serving as a consultant working closely with the defense before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023. The son of legendary NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer, Brian has long been respected for his football acumen and ability to develop strong relationships with players and coaches alike.
A Surprising Internal Promotion
While the Cowboys interviewed several high-profile external candidates like Leslie Frazier and Robert Saleh, in the end they opted to promote from within. Team owner Jerry Jones expressed confidence that Schottenheimer’s familiarity with the organization and close bond with star quarterback Dak Prescott made him the ideal choice to lead the team going forward.
“Brian Schottenheimer knows this team inside and out, and he’s proven himself to be an outstanding leader and offensive mind,” Jones told ESPN. “We believe he’s the right man to take the Dallas Cowboys to the next level and deliver the Super Bowl trophy our fans have been waiting for.”
Jumpstarting the Offense
Schottenheimer played a key role in revitalizing the Cowboys offense in 2023, helping them finish as the highest-scoring team in the league. However, they took a significant step back in 2024, plagued by injuries and inconsistency. The hope is that with Schottenheimer now at the helm, he can recapture that 2023 magic and turn the Cowboys into a perennial offensive juggernaut.
- 7 games with 30+ points in final 11 weeks of 2023 season
- 29.9 points per game in 2023 (1st in NFL)
- 371.6 yards per game in 2023 (5th in NFL)
Continuing the Schottenheimer Legacy
For Schottenheimer, this is an opportunity to step out of his father’s immense shadow and carve his own path. Marty Schottenheimer is one of the winningest coaches in NFL history with 200 career regular season victories. But playoff success always eluded him. Now Brian will look to take that next step and bring a championship to Dallas, something the Cowboys haven’t experienced since 1995.
“I’ve learned so much from my dad over the years, and I’ll certainly carry those lessons with me,” Schottenheimer said. “But I’m my own man, and I’m ready to put my stamp on this team. We have all the pieces in place to do something special here in Dallas.”
The Pressure is On
Make no mistake though – the pressure on Schottenheimer will be immense from day one. The Cowboys have Super Bowl-or-bust expectations every year, and that will only intensify under a first-time head coach. Fairly or not, Schottenheimer’s performance will be compared to the likes of previous Cowboys coaches Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer, who delivered championships in their first go-arounds.
It’s a tall task, but one that Schottenheimer says he’s more than ready for. With the support of the Jones family and a roster brimming with Pro Bowl talent, the table is set for the Cowboys to make a serious run in Schottenheimer’s debut season. The NFL world will be watching closely to see if he can finally get “America’s Team” back on top in 2025.
