Brian Schottenheimer is tasked with bringing success back to the Dallas Cowboys. However, he has already hit his first roadblock, as team owner Jerry Jones has given him specific instructions on how to run the club this year.
The Cowboys have struggled in recent years to establish themselves as a top-tier franchise. Despite being one of the most valuable sports teams in the world, their on-field success hasnât matched their financial dominance.
Itâs been 30 years since the Cowboys last reached the NFC Championship game, marking a significant drought for the iconic franchise. Now, Jerry Jones has appointed Brian Schottenheimer as head coach to turn things aroundâa decision that has left many fans surprised.
Jerry Jones lays out expectations for Brian Schottenheimer
Cowboys fans are desperate for their team to find success in the near future. While the franchise has made several playoff appearances recently, they havenât advanced to the NFC Championship game since 1996.
see also
Cowboys News: Dak Prescott reacts to Jerry Jonesâ decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer
Jerry Jones, who doubles as the teamâs owner and general manager, has been heavily criticized for his decisions regarding the organization. His choice to promote Brian Schottenheimer, the teamâs former offensive coordinator, to head coach for the 2025 NFL season is no exception.
Big names like Pete Carroll and Deion Sanders were rumored as potential targets for the Cowboysâ head coaching position. However, Jones opted to stay in-house by promoting Schottenheimerâa move that could work in the ownerâs favor.
Jones, known for his hands-on approach with the Cowboys, has already outlined his expectations for Schottenheimer. Jones wants the team to focus more on the running game in the upcoming season, and he has instructed the HC to do so.
New head coach of the Dallas Cowboys Brian Schottenheimer arrives at a press conference with team owner Jerry Jones at The Star in Frisco on January 27, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.
âWe want to be able to run the ball,â Jones said, via the teamâs website. âEverybody says that we want to run the ball and we want to stop the run, and certainly thatâs what we want to do. Thatâs what great championship football teams do, and I know coach Schottenheimer wants to do that. I think itâs real important that we find in this hire a coach thatâs going to be outstanding in the run game area.â
Will the Cowboys pursue a new running back in 2025?
While Jerry Jones emphasizes the importance of running the ball, his actions have painted a different picture. The owner has been hesitant to commit large contracts to running backs but appears to have realized the value of a strong rushing attack.
see also
NFL News: Jerry Jones and Cowboys sign unexpected coach to help Dak Prescott and Brian Schottenheimer win a Super Bowl
This realization may have been reinforced during the 2025 NFL playoffs. The Eagles, a fierce NFC East rival, scored seven rushing touchdowns against the Commandersâone more than the Cowboys managed during the entire season.
