The Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of doing something very drastic with their latest head coaching hire. Parting ways with Mike McCarthy was controversial enough, but the Cowboys now seem willing to replace him with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer in a move that may shock the rest of the NFL.
Schottenheimer, who is not being considered as a serious candidate for any of the other opening around the league and did not call plays during his time with the Cowboys, may end up getting a promotion despite playing a big role in the team's lackluster 7-10 season.
In the eyes of Colin Cowherd, the Cowboys are in such massive decline that he was almost left speechless by this latest update. Cowherd called the Cowboys' latest moves a sign of "the fall of a great American institution."
Cowherd's most incisive commentary involved drawing a parallel to big brands like the Lakers and Yankees. Despite their ubiquitous status, these franchises have become overly rigid, insular, and reliant on being too family-run in an age where that style of management can lead to Schottenheimer-level disasters.
Colin Cowherd calls Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer hire "fall of a great American institution"
"We are watching the fall of a great American institution." @ColinCowherd reacts to report of Cowboys closing in on Brian Schottenheimer as head coach pic.twitter.com/QpAj7IJZuw
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) January 23, 2025
While Dallas' new leading man is the son of a legendary NFL coach in Marty Schottenheimer, Brian does not have the same pedigree as his dad. Schottenheimer's time as QB coach under his dad in Washington and San Diego was underwhelming, as even Drew Brees was struggling.
Schottenheimer had success as OC with the Jets from 2006 to 2011, but his passing games were among the worst in the league. After more unsuccessful stints with the Rams and Colts, who never ranked above 21st in total offense under Schottenheimer's watch, Schottenheimer had some not terrible seasons coaching Russell Wilson in Seattle.
Unfortunately, he ruined his stock again in Jacksonville and Dallas. Picking that candidate for what should be a marquee job is bordering on organizational malpractice. Candidates should be lining up to coach Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons for an organization always trying to win.
Instead, the Cowboys have fallen victim to the whims of Jerry Jones once again. Schotteinheimer will likely be in over his skis in charge of one of the league's premier franchises. While the Cowboys may win some games thanks to a solid roster, this hire is making it more clear than ever that some of the aura this team has had is starting to fade away.