The Dallas Cowboys' head coaching search took a turn for the worse on Tuesday as Brian Schottenheimer seemingly emerged as the front-runner.
Schottenheimer's interview on Tuesday lasted for over four hours and a rumor from Shan Shariff of 105.3 The Fan hinted the Cowboys were readying an offer to make him head coach. In the aftermath, though, Jane Slater of NFL Media reported Schottenheimer is being considered for both HC and offensive coordinator.
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It seems that Dallas is still getting its ducks in a row, but Schottenheimer is undoubtedly in the mix after serving as OC the last two years.
In a perfect world, though, the Cowboys would have interviewed Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. However, they never got the chance because they dragged their feet with Mike McCarthy. Johnson has taken the Bears job, while Glenn is on the verge of landing with the Jets.
Well, you can probably cross another name off Dallas' list after Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen withdrew from consideration for the Jaguars' job, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Cowboys probably won't hire Robert Saleh after stunning Liam Coen news
Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen is taking himself out of the running for the Jaguars’ head coaching job to stay in Tampa on a new contract that now will place him amongst the highest-paid coordinators in the NFL, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2025
Bucs are keeping their OC. pic.twitter.com/PWy5GP2uTy
The Jaguars were all-in on pairing Trevor Lawrence with Coen, who was spectacular in his first year as Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator.
The Bucs' offense didn't skip a beat despite star receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans missing a chunk of time. Baker Mayfield finished third in passing yards and tied for second with 41 passing touchdowns, while running backs Rachaad White and Bucky Irving both topped 1,000 scrimmage yards.
Coen, who may be viewed as Todd Bowles' successor in Tampa Bay, probably didn't want to hitch his wagon to general manager Trent Baalke. Regardless, the Jaguars needs to pivot and they will likely turn to Robert Saleh, who was among the first candidates to interview with Dallas.
Saleh will take a second in-person interview with Jacksonville this week so he is clearly a finalist for the job. The Coen news might make him the favorite. Former Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is also having a second in-person interview, per Schefter.
The Jaguars would do well to hire an offensive-minded coach for Lawrence. Kellen Moore (Eagles) Joe Brady (Bills) and Todd Monken (Ravens) are offensive coordinators that have had first interviews. It stands to reason that Jacksonville will bring them in for a second sit-down.
However, Saleh has the inside track. While Saleh's time with the Jets was forgettable, he got a raw deal. Even after he was fired Jets players still loved him. It's no coincidence the defense fell apart after he left.
Saleh is best served as a defensive coordinator than a head coach, but he's a natural leader, a defensive whizz and his connections around the league may allow him to bring in a stud offensive coordinator.
It's not saying much, but Saleh undoubtedly moves the needle more than Schottenheimer. But he might be headed to Jacksonville.