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Cowboys Coach Rumor Links Rex Ryan with Schottenheimer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Anthony Goss | Last updated Jan 23, 2025 9:42 PM ET

FRISCO — No finalized decisions have come from The Star at this time. However, Dallas Cowboys' offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has become the strong favorite to land the job following developments this week.

The team has spoken with Schottenheimer twice this week, more than they have with any other candidate. Again, nothing here has come to fruition, but Schottenheimer carries plenty of momentum to return to Dallas in some fashion.

If that return comes in the form of a head coach, Schottenheimer will then turn to assembling a staff around him. For a first time head coach, Schottenheimer will rely on people he trusts and have experience working him him.

Former New York Jets head coach and current ESPN NFL personality Rex Ryan could be an option to fill the defensive coordinator spot. That would mean Jerry Jones and the Cowboys' leadership seeing past Ryan's brash comments from a year ago.

Ryan has previously said that he could have fixed Dallas' defense but the Cowboys "couldn't pony up the money” to get him there. ... leaving Jerry Jones to hire Mike Zimmer. Ryan's exact and truthful history in terms of an interview or discussions with the team is not clear.

And as rumors float about out there? It's quite possible that "Sexy Rexy'' is the guy triggering the rumors.

Schottenheimer and Ryan worked together during Ryan's tenure in New York with the former serving as the team's offensive coordinator.

Ryan would be one of the many hires likely necessary for Schottenheimer to reconfigure this coaching staff, yet a major change heading into next season. However, Ryan's return to the sidelines is far from a guarantee.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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