Schottenheimer’s Gamble: Can the New Cowboys Coach Finally Deliver a Playoff Run in 2025?
Dak Prescott stares down the barrel of another season, but this time, the man calling the shots isn’t Mike McCarthy. After a disappointing 7-10 finish in 2024, marked by a five-game losing streak, Jerry Jones has entrusted the future of “America’s Team” to Brian Schottenheimer. The question on everyone’s mind: Can Schottenheimer, in his first head coaching gig, break the Cowboys’ Super Bowl drought, which stretches back to 1995?
The Coaching Carousel Stops in Dallas
The Cowboys’ decision to promote Brian Schottenheimer from offensive coordinator to head coach raised eyebrows across the league. While names like Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel were floated as potential replacements for McCarthy, Jones opted for continuity, betting on Schottenheimer’s familiarity with the team and his offensive acumen.
Schottenheimer, 51, isn’t your typical first-time head coach. He carries a card inscribed with his goal to be the youngest head coach in the NFL. The son of the late Marty Schottenheimer, a legendary NFL coach with over 200 career wins, Brian has spent years honing his craft as an assistant, including stints with the St. Louis Rams, New York Jets, and Seattle Seahawks.
“I’ve had some opportunities when I was a much younger man, that I didn’t feel like I was ready,” Schottenheimer said at his introductory press conference. “I’m ready now. I know what I want. I know what it looks like.”
A Legacy to Uphold
Marty Schottenheimer’s shadow looms large over his son’s career. The elder Schottenheimer was known for his regular-season success, amassing a 200-126-1 record over 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, and San Diego Chargers. However, playoff success eluded him, with a 5-13 postseason record and no Super Bowl appearances.
Brian Schottenheimer is determined to surpass his father’s achievements and bring a championship to Dallas. He inherits a team with a talented roster, including Pro Bowlers CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, Brandon Aubrey, and Tyler Smith. However, the Cowboys also face significant challenges, including a need to improve their running game and address deficiencies in their defense.
Rebuilding the Defense
One of Schottenheimer’s first moves was to bring in Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator. Eberflus, who previously served as the Chicago Bears’ head coach, is tasked with turning around a Cowboys defense that ranked 28th in yards allowed last season.
Eberflus is no stranger to Dallas, having served as the team’s linebackers coach and defensive passing game coordinator from 2011 to 2017. He’s known for his disciplined approach and his ability to develop young talent.
Offensive Overhaul
While the defense is undergoing a makeover, Schottenheimer is expected to put his stamp on the Cowboys’ offense. As offensive coordinator under McCarthy, Schottenheimer helped Dak Prescott enjoy one of his best seasons. Now, as head coach, he has the opportunity to fully implement his vision.
Schottenheimer is known for his ability to adapt his offense to his players’ strengths. He’s worked with a variety of quarterbacks throughout his career, from Chad Pennington to Russell Wilson, and has a proven track record of success.
The Road to the Playoffs
The Cowboys’ path to the playoffs in 2025 won’t be easy. They play in a competitive NFC East division, and they’ll face a tough schedule against some of the league’s top teams.
To make a deep playoff run, the Cowboys will need to address several key areas:
- Running Game: The Cowboys need to establish a more consistent running game to take pressure off Prescott and the passing attack.
- Defense: Eberflus needs to revamp the defense and improve its ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback.
- Discipline: The Cowboys need to reduce penalties and turnovers, which have plagued them in recent years.
- Home Field Advantage: After going 2-7 at home in 2024, the Cowboys need to re-establish their dominance at AT&T Stadium.
The Gamble
Brian Schottenheimer’s promotion is a gamble for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys. They’re betting that Schottenheimer’s experience, offensive mind, and familiarity with the team will be enough to overcome his lack of head coaching experience.
The pressure is on Schottenheimer to deliver a playoff run in 2025. The Cowboys haven’t reached the NFC Championship Game since 1995, and fans are growing impatient. Can Schottenheimer finally break the curse and lead “America’s Team” back to the Super Bowl? Only time will tell.