Cowboys Set to Name Brian Schottenheimer as New Head Coach

DALLAS, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are finalizing a deal to make offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer their new head coach, according to Clarence Hill of All City DLLS. The agreement is expected to be completed by Friday, with Schottenheimer emerging as the top candidate after a series of interviews.

Schottenheimer, 51, fits the profile of head coaches preferred by owner Jerry Jones, who also serves as the team’s general manager. Known for his familiarity with the organization and cost-effectiveness compared to other candidates, Schottenheimer had no other head coaching interviews this offseason. His hiring continues a trend for Jones, who has historically favored coaches with prior ties to the Cowboys.

Schottenheimer joined the Cowboys in 2022 as a coaching analyst and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023 after Kellen Moore departed. Despite not calling plays under former head coach Mike McCarthy, Schottenheimer’s experience and lineage—his father, Marty Schottenheimer, was a longtime NFL head coach—made him a compelling choice.

The Cowboys also considered Seattle assistant Leslie Frazier, former Jets head coach Robert Saleh, and Kellen Moore, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, during their search. However, Schottenheimer gained momentum after a second round of interviews on Wednesday, becoming the betting favorite earlier this week.

Jones has a history of hiring coaches with prior head coaching experience or internal promotions. Schottenheimer follows in the footsteps of Dave Campo and Jason Garrett, who were elevated from within the organization despite lacking head coaching experience at the time.

Schottenheimer’s appointment comes as the Cowboys aim to build on their recent successes and address lingering questions about their postseason performance. The team parted ways with McCarthy after his contract expired on Jan. 14, signaling a new direction under Schottenheimer’s leadership.