The Dallas Cowboys have officially appointed Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach, a move that has sparked mixed reactions. Among former players, fans, and media observers, dissatisfaction with the coaching search has been widespread. Despite the criticism, Schottenheimer’s priority will now be assembling a competent coaching staff.
The coaching search, which spanned three weeks, left many unimpressed. Following the departure of former head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys interviewed several candidates, including Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, a former Cowboys coordinator himself, Seahawks assistant Leslie Frazier, and ex-Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
There were rumors about Deion Sanders, but no formal interview took place. Similarly, chatter surrounded Raiders head coach Pete Carroll and Packers assistant Rich Bisaccia, though no real pursuit materialized. Ultimately, it seemed Schottenheimer was the preferred choice all along.
Cowboys Target Matt Eberflus, Kevin Koger
With his promotion finalized, Schottenheimer has shifted focus to building his staff. As the team’s offensive coordinator for the past two years, he now needs to fill that position. Reports suggest that former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus is the leading candidate for the defensive coordinator role. Eberflus, who was fired by Chicago in November, has history with the Cowboys, having served as their linebackers coach from 2011-2017.
Meanwhile, NFL insider Tom Pelissero of NFL Network has revealed a surprising offensive coordinator candidate.
“The #Cowboys requested an interview with #Falcons TE coach Kevin Koger for their offensive coordinator job, per source,” Pelissero reported via Twitter/X on Sunday.
Koger, 35, has no experience as a coordinator. He has been the Falcons’ tight ends coach this season and previously held the same role with the Chargers from 2021-2023. Before that, he was a quality control assistant with the Packers.
Brian Schottenheimer: A Controversial Choice
The decision to hire Schottenheimer has drawn scrutiny, with many suggesting it was largely influenced by team owner Jerry Jones, who reportedly wanted a cost-effective head coach. The Cowboys plan to officially introduce Schottenheimer as head coach on Monday.
In breaking the news, ESPN’s Adam Schefter spoke with Jones, who commented on the hire:
“Brian Schottenheimer is known as a career assistant,” Jones said. “He ain’t Brian no more. He is now known as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.”
Although Schottenheimer has no prior head coaching experience, his resume includes 14 years as an offensive coordinator, including two with the Cowboys. He has also served as a quarterbacks coach for eight years and spent three seasons in the collegiate ranks. In 2022, he worked as a consultant for Dallas.