Why Cowboys' coaching update should worry fans

Schottenheimer, the son of longtime NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer, has an underwhelming track record. In 14 seasons as an offensive coordinator, his offenses have only one top-five finish in total yards and points, both in 2023, his first season as Cowboys offensive coordinator.

Former head coach Mike McCarthy called plays in Schottenheimer's two seasons as offensive coordinator, posing a key question: If the team hires Schottenheimer, then why not just keep McCarthy?

The answer potentially comes down to financials, which would be a terrible look for Jones. As the owner of the world's most valuable sports franchise, skimping on money for a head coach is unforgivable.

Schottenheimer's legitimacy as a candidate for the Cowboys' opening also signals that ownership isn't casting a wide enough net to find its 2025 head coach.

Schottenheimer is one of four known candidates. Seahawks assistant head coach Leslie Frazier, the Vikings full-time head coach from 2011-13, interviewed, as well as former Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

While Colorado head coach Deion Sanders spoke with owner Jerry Jones, he hasn't formally interviewed.

The Cowboys are doing themselves a disservice by limiting the scope of their search. They're the most iconic franchise in the country's most popular sport. While there's the truth behind Hall of Fame Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman's skepticism of how attractive the opening is, the front office should still be able to do better than its current candidates list.

With a second interview scheduled, Schottenheimer must be under serious consideration, which only means one thing: Dallas isn't searching hard enough.