Many viewed the Dallas Cowboys' promotion of Brian Schottenheimer to head coach last offseason as one of many cases of nepotism in the NFL. He had no prior experience in the role, and his late and great father, Marty, is football royalty, after all.
However, Schottenheimer has slowly won many over with charisma and raw emotion. Waiting nearly three decades for a chance to run his own ship created a genuine sense of passion that can't be superficial.
He clearly isn't taking the opportunity for granted and is striving to guide the Cowboys to a championship as soon as the upcoming campaign. Schottenheimer set his sights on Super Bowl LXI during an appearance on The Twins Take Podcast.
"I make no qualms that that's the goal," Schottenheimer declared. "The Super Bowl next year is Feb. 14, 2027, in SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and we plan on being there."
Dallas Cowboys fans are buzzing after Brian Schottenheimer's fearless Super Bowl stance
With his wife, Gemmi, beside him, Schottenheimer basically said Valentine's Day will have to wait. Anyone who is or has been married will tell you that's arguably a more dangerous game to play than getting chased by 300-plus-pound freak athletes.
Jokes aside, the goal is to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Dallas for the first time since 1995. Schottenheimer understands he and his group will need "some good fortune" along the way, just like any title squad.
Make no mistake about it, though; the 52-year-old appears to have no shortage of belief heading into 2026.
The best part is that it has nothing to do with legacy.
Schottenheimer wants to climb the highest mountain for those around him who have put in countless hours behind the scenes to hone their craft. He "want[s] to win for the people under [his] leadership," namely quarterback Dak Prescott, wideout CeeDee Lamb and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.
As the one calling the shots for America's Team, Schottenheimer is already under immense pressure. The Cowboys elevated him with expectations not only to be competitive but also to get over the hump.
He ostensibly recognizes that with great power comes great responsibility and is motivated to bring the franchise back to the promised land. Time will tell whether Schottenheimer can make good on his bold comments, but Cowboys fans have to be excited that he isn't shying away from expectations.
Dallas boasts one of the league's most prolific offenses and a revamped defense led by first-year coordinator Christian Parker. There's a lot to like about their roster, yet they reside in an ultra-competitive NFC. Hopefully, Schottenheimer ends up looking prophetic.
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