By Sunday 
The Dallas Cowboys have a new man at the helm—and while some fans were skeptical of the hire, Brian Schottenheimer is already starting to win people over with something you can’t fake: heart.
The longtime offensive coordinator, now stepping into his first head coaching role at age 51, wrapped up his first offseason program as the guy in charge. And when minicamp came to a close on Thursday, it wasn’t just about drills and playbooks—it got a little emotional.
“These Guys Gave Us Everything”
Asked to reflect on the shift from leading the offense to managing the entire 90-man roster and staff, Schottenheimer didn’t shy away from the personal side of the job.
“I think it’s important to recharge your battery,” he told reporters. “It’s a long season, it’s been a long year… now you got 90 guys. And not only 90 guys but you got a full staff, and so I’ll be busy, you know, making phone calls and checking in.”
But the real moment came when he talked about his final message to the team before they head into summer break.
“I called the guys up today and I told them, ‘Hey, a couple things. No. 1: Take care of yourself, take care of your families. Hang with the ones you love,’ and then I told them I love them,” Schottenheimer said. “And I got a little emotional. These guys gave us everything that we’ve asked for this spring, and I think they’ll do that when we get started out in Oxnard [California].”
A Coach Who’s Already Connecting
That quote alone tells you a lot about how Schottenheimer is approaching his new role. It’s more than Xs and Os—it’s relationships, accountability, and trust. That’s what builds locker rooms, not just stat sheets.
And it’s not just media moments where fans are seeing this softer, more human side. Recently, a viral clip showed Schottenheimer on the receiving end of a surprise “good night” call from star linebacker Micah Parsons. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes interaction that speaks volumes about how he’s bonding with his players, even during a contract year.
Eyes on Oxnard—and the Future
No one’s pretending it’ll be an easy road. The Cowboys still have plenty to prove after a rocky finish to last season and an offseason that included major changes, starting with the dismissal of Mike McCarthy.
But if Schottenheimer’s first few months as head coach are any indication, he’s not just managing expectations—he’s building something meaningful. His connection with the players is already drawing attention, and in the NFL, that kind of culture shift can matter just as much as scheme or talent.
Whether this emotional, player-first approach translates into wins remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: the Cowboys are heading into training camp with a head coach who’s fully bought in—and whose players just might be too.