Jerry Jones' comments regarding new Cowboys HC may not inspire confidence

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones probably realizes hiring someone without any head-coaching experience could be an ill-advised gamble.

On Monday, the Cowboys held their introductory news conference for new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who's replacing Mike McCarthy. Jones implied he's uncertain Schottenheimer will succeed. 

"If you don't think I can operate outside my comfort zone, you are so wrong," Jones said. "This is as big of a risk as you can take. No head-coaching experience."

Jones then backtracked and pointed out that some of his previous wagers have worked.

"It might be couched as a less-than-glamorous hire," Jones said. "What I would say to you is, I've got here taking shots."

However, hiring Schottenheimer could be an unwarranted risk for Jones.

The longtime assistant has spent 14 seasons as an offensive coordinator for the Jets, Seahawks, Rams and Cowboys. In two seasons on McCarthy's staff, Schottenheimer didn't call plays.

An NFC executive suggested Dallas should have hired Philadelphia Eagles OC Kellen Moore instead. (Moore was Dallas' OC from 2019-22.) 

"Why are you rushing to hire Schotty when you had no other competition for him?" an NFC executive recently told Fox Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz. "If you were seeking continuity, then have that second interview with Kellen Moore — who, by the way, just had one of the greatest offensive performances in conference championship history. There was no reason to rush this." 

In a 55-23 blowout against the Washington Commanders in Sunday's NFC Championship game, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts combined for six rushing touchdowns.

Schottenheimer could prove his doubters wrong. But if he doesn't, add it to the list of decisions that have pushed the franchise further into mediocrity. 

This season, the Cowboys went 7-10 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Not to mention, they still haven't hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in 29 years.