By Blessing 
The Dallas Cowboys had a disappointing 2024 NFL season, finishing with a 7-10 record and missing the playoffs. Placing third in the NFC East, they were left to watch their divisional rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, compete in the NFC Championship Game during the 2025 postseason.
As the gap widened between Dallas and its rivals, the Cowboys faced a critical decision after parting ways with head coach Mike McCarthy. Instead of conducting an extensive search for external candidates, the team chose to promote from within, naming offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach.
Schottenheimer, who has been part of the organization for several years, didn’t spark much excitement around the league. Many viewed him as a “safe” pick for team owner Jerry Jones. However, Jones wasn’t the only one who supported the move.
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, quarterback Dak Prescott is a fan of Schottenheimer. “But Schottenheimer had a supporter in quarterback Dak Prescott. The two have a good relationship, and according to people in and around the team, Prescott likes Schottenheimer’s creativity,” Archer reported.
Archer also noted that Schottenheimer played a key role in tweaking the offensive schemes that helped the Cowboys find success during the 2023 season.
It’s not uncommon for quarterbacks to have input in coaching decisions, and it seems Prescott got his preferred choice. Now, the Cowboys are banking on the familiarity and creativity of Schottenheimer to help them close the gap with their divisional rivals in the seasons ahead.