Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Describes Cowboys’ Hiring of Brian Schottenheimer as ‘Puzzling’
The Dallas Cowboys have a new figurehead in their organization: Brian Schottenheimer. Recently appointed as the team’s head coach, Schottenheimer previously served as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator for the last two seasons under former head coach Mike McCarthy. However, the decision to elevate Schottenheimer to the top role has raised eyebrows, with some critics labeling the process leading up to his hiring as baffling. The move follows a series of perplexing decisions by team owner Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ management.
CBS Sports NFL analyst and two-time Super Bowl champion Bryant McFadden shared his reaction to the appointment on CBS Sports HQ. “Initially, I was surprised, but upon further reflection, I realized I shouldn’t have been,” McFadden explained. “When it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, you have to expect the unexpected. Their entire approach to this offseason and the way they navigated the coaching carousel has been nothing short of confusing.”
McFadden criticized the Cowboys’ management for their lack of clarity in handling McCarthy’s departure. “You prevented Mike McCarthy from exploring opportunities with other teams, only to dismiss him days later. It was as though there was no clear plan in place,” he said.
McFadden went on to suggest that Schottenheimer’s promotion might hinge on his established relationship with quarterback Dak Prescott. “The only logical explanation for this move is the continuity Schottenheimer has built with Dak Prescott. As a quarterbacks coach, he’s worked closely with Prescott, and that rapport could have influenced this decision. Beyond that, Schottenheimer has largely been a career assistant.”
Despite his prior role as the offensive coordinator, McFadden noted that Schottenheimer did not call plays during his tenure under McCarthy, who retained that responsibility. However, Schottenheimer does bring some experience as a play-caller from his time as offensive coordinator with the New York Jets (2006-2011), St. Louis Rams (2012-2014), and Seattle Seahawks (2018-2020).
“This promotion is perplexing,” McFadden concluded, emphasizing that the inner workings of the Cowboys’ decision-making process remain a mystery. “The only person who seems to fully understand what’s happening with the Dallas Cowboys is Jerry Jones.”
The decision has left fans and analysts alike questioning whether Schottenheimer’s familiarity with the organization will be enough to steer the Cowboys toward success or whether this was another in a series of controversial moves by Jerry Jones that could ultimately backfire.
