Amid criticism, the Dallas Cowboys are considering a controversial candidate for head coaching.

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, are currently in the midst of a head coaching search following the departure of Mike McCarthy. Among the candidates under consideration is Brian Schottenheimer, the team’s offensive coordinator. This potential promotion has sparked significant debate and criticism, particularly concerning the promotion of internal candidates and the diversity of the coaching search process.

Brian Schottenheimer’s Coaching Background

Brian Schottenheimer, 51, has a coaching career spanning over 25 years, primarily as an offensive coordinator. He joined the Cowboys in 2022 as an analyst and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023. Schottenheimer’s coaching lineage is notable; he is the son of the late Marty Schottenheimer, a respected NFL head coach. Throughout his career, Brian has served under several prominent coaches, including Mike McCarthy, with whom he worked during their tenure with the Green Bay Packers. Despite his extensive experience, Schottenheimer has never held a head coaching position.

The Cowboys’ Head Coaching Search

Following Mike McCarthy’s departure, the Cowboys have been actively seeking a new head coach. Several candidates have been linked to the position:

• Kellen Moore: Former Cowboys offensive coordinator and current Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator. Moore is considered a front-runner for the position, but the Cowboys must wait until the Eagles’ season concludes before initiating an interview.
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• Deion Sanders: The Hall of Fame cornerback and current head coach at the University of Colorado. Initial conversations have taken place, but no formal interview has been scheduled.
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• Robert Saleh: Former New York Jets head coach and current defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Saleh has been interviewed by the Cowboys, indicating mutual interest.
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• Leslie Frazier: Former Minnesota Vikings head coach and current assistant head coach for the Seattle Seahawks. Frazier has also been interviewed for the Cowboys’ head coaching position.
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• Brian Schottenheimer: The Cowboys are considering promoting Schottenheimer to head coach. While he has been with the organization since 2022, his lack of head coaching experience has raised concerns among some observers.
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Criticism and Controversy

The consideration of Brian Schottenheimer for the head coaching position has been met with criticism on several fronts:

1. Internal Promotion Concerns: Critics argue that promoting from within, especially without prior head coaching experience, may not bring the necessary change and innovation the team requires. The Cowboys’ recent playoff performances have been underwhelming, leading to questions about the effectiveness of internal promotions.
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2. Diversity of the Coaching Search: The Cowboys’ head coaching search has been scrutinized for its lack of diversity. While candidates like Deion Sanders and Leslie Frazier are considered, the majority of interviews have been with individuals who are either former Cowboys staff or have similar coaching backgrounds. This has led to discussions about the need for a more diverse pool of candidates to bring fresh perspectives to the organization.
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3. Missed Opportunities: There is concern that the Cowboys’ hesitation in making a decision could result in losing out on top candidates. For instance, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who has garnered interest from multiple teams, may be hired elsewhere if the Cowboys do not act promptly.
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The Role of Jerry Jones

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been a central figure in the coaching search. His preference for offensive-minded head coaches, as evidenced by previous hires like Jason Garrett and Wade Phillips, has influenced the direction of the search. However, Jones’ decision-making process has faced criticism for being slow and potentially detrimental to the team’s future success.

Potential Impact on the Team

The choice of head coach will significantly impact the Cowboys’ future trajectory. A coach with a proven track record and the ability to innovate could revitalize the team and lead them to greater success. Conversely, a decision perceived as lacking foresight or diversity could further entrench the team’s current challenges and fan discontent.

The Dallas Cowboys’ head coaching search is at a critical juncture. While Brian Schottenheimer’s promotion is under consideration, it has sparked considerable debate regarding the team’s direction and the diversity of their coaching search. As the organization moves forward, it will need to balance internal familiarity with the need for fresh perspectives to ensure sustained success and address the concerns of its fan base.