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NFL Executive backtracks on Brian Schottenheimer after breakout year

Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on during warmups before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images Amber Searls-Imagn Images

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NFL Executive backtracks on Brian Schottenheimer after breakout year

Originally posted on DallasCowboysCommunity
By Sourav Ganguly | Last updated Jun 30, 2026 9:25 AM ET

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Brian Schottenheimer’s hiring as the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach came under excessive scrutiny. He was promoted from the position of an offensive coordinator to the main role at Dallas. Many didn’t believe in him as he succeeded Mike McCarthy.

That also included one of the execs in the Dallas committee. Fansided NFL insider Jason La Canfora recently got to speak with one such executive. Choosing to stay anonymous, the exec admitted how he became a believer from a skeptic.

“The head coach answered a lot of questions last year,” said the exec.

Schottenheimer transformed the attack of the Cowboys completely. Dallas averaged 27.7 points per game, ranking among the league’s best. He was also instrumental in overseeing breakout performances from George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb, and Javonte Williams.

“He had to deal with all of b******* going back to last summer [Micah Parsons dealt and more contract unrest], and he shut a lot of people up. Including me,” added the longtime personnel executive in the same interview.

Micah Parsons’ trade to the Green Bay Packers also ruffled a few feathers. Fans were not happy with the move as Parsons was a high-caliber edge rusher.

Nov 23, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A general view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Analysts, too, were not sold on Schottenheimer landing the head coaching job. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin ranked the first-year coach No. 31 in his 2025 NFL head coach rankings. But the doubters soon backtracked.

Under Schottenheimer, star quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 4,552 yards, and Javonte Williams and CeeDee Lamb all made over 1,000 yards. The Cowboys did not ultimately make the playoffs, but Schottenheimer earned praise for his work.

During the two seasons Schottenheimer oversaw Dallas’ offense, the Cowboys finished among the league leaders, ranking second in completions (826) and third in pass attempts (1,251).

Schottenheimer’s 7-9-1 record does not give the real picture of the obstacles they faced. The team has been growing every day, especially with how they tuned up their only weak aspect – defense.

Brian Schottenheimer‘s offseason moves

After ranking 30th in total defense in 2025, Dallas’ offseason saw them make additions to safeguard their defense. The Cowboys looked to bounce back from that and appointed Christian Parker as the new defensive coordinator. Schottenheimer can be credited with making that new addition.

Not just the coach, but players were also added to strengthen the backline. Schottenheimer revamped their defense this offseason by acquiring pass rusher Rashan Gary in a trade and signing defensive backs Cobie Durant, Jalen Thompson, and P.J. Locke in free agency.

That is expected to fill up gaps in their defense. According to FOX Sports, they gave away a league-high 30.1 points per game last season and 377 yards (third most) per outing,

The new head coach has kept the fundamentals from Mike McCarthy’s days intact. And yet found a way to modernize the team’s roster.

The five-time Super Bowl champions might just add their sixth this year if the team performs as expected.

This article first appeared on DallasCowboysCommunity and was syndicated with permission.

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