Dallas Cowboys head coach Jerry Jones has been known for adding a bit of flair to his statements, often giving them a sweet spin. On Monday, as offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer detailed his vision for the team’s offensive strategy at The Star, Jones took the opportunity to describe Schottenheimer’s hiring as a “risk.” Despite the buzz around two of the hottest coaching candidates this year, Detroit Lions coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, Jones didn’t meet with them. He believed that Schottenheimer, with his deeper understanding of the Cowboys’ situation, was the better fit for the team.
Jones acknowledged Schottenheimer’s experience, noting that he brings both knowledge of the current offensive trends and a forward-looking approach, coupled with a level of energy and determination that is rare in a coach. Schottenheimer will make adjustments to the offense, though he’ll also retain elements of what’s been working for the Cowboys. His emphasis on “change” was a key theme during the meeting, with a focus on improving certain aspects that didn’t always meet expectations in the past, such as motion and creativity in the offense.
Schottenheimer, who has spent time working alongside Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott, particularly on the “Texas Coast” offense, is prepared to implement changes aimed at improving the unit. He highlighted the importance of starting with what players excel at, emphasizing flexibility in the system to better suit their strengths. Schottenheimer also spoke about the importance of using motion, shifts, and cut splits to create confusion for defenses and make the running and passing games complement each other more seamlessly. Additionally, he hinted at a faster tempo and noted that his past experience with the Seahawks, where they led the league in rushing, might influence how the Cowboys approach their ground game.
This could signal a greater emphasis on running back Rico Dowdle, assuming he remains on the roster, or potentially drafting someone like Ashton Jeanty. While it’s still uncertain how much the Cowboys’ offense will shift under Schottenheimer’s leadership, the key takeaway is that he intends to maximize Dak Prescott’s potential. In the end, the success of Schottenheimer’s vision will depend on the Cowboys’ ability to execute these tweaks and improvements, making his approach stand out in comparison to the rising stars, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, who are still figuring out their paths with the Bears and Jets.
