Was Culture Key To Cowboys Coaching Change?

We are now months into the Brian Schottenheimer era as Dallas Cowboys head coach, and the change has been well-received from all corners, both inside and outside of The Star.

With Schottenheimer's new culture garnering praise from past players and media members alike, the locker room has a different vibe, with Schotty being the figurehead in bringing energy not only to the meeting room but also on the field.

And the players are soaking it up. 

Things are fun again.

That's not to say they weren't under Mike McCarthy, who oversaw three straight 12-5 win seasons, but all failed to secure the ultimate prize.

And COO Stephen Jones, perhaps unknowingly, revealed that a culture shift might have been what was needed for this locker room to reach its full potential.

“We always talk about culture, and everybody wants a winning culture, but changing it up is a good thing," Jones said. "Nothing but respect for Coach McCarthy and Coach Garrett, but we're always looking for a way to get better. We've got to take this thing to the next level which is not only we got to get in the playoffs to start with but once you're there obviously we hadn't had the success that we want to have and if bringing a different culture helps us get there then I'm 110% for it.

“That was a tough call that we had to make last year and we feel really good about our choice and think coach Schottenheimer is really being received well and I think he'll continue to do an outstanding job.”