Multiple reports have indicated the Dallas Cowboys are closing in on hiring Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach. Schottenheimer interviewed for four hours on Tuesday before returning to team headquarters on Wednesday for more than five hours, per Jane Slater of NFL Media.
It seems increasingly likely that an announcement will happen as early as Thursday and no later than this weekend.
We're not exactly sure what the hold up is being Schottenheimer is the only candidate to get a second interview and interviewed for upwards of 10 hours, but there is no sense trying to rationalize this organization's decision-making.
Cowboys fans are universally opposed to Schottenheimer as head coach. It's hard - maybe impossible - to think of a more uninspiring hire.
It will be interesting to see how the locker room responds to Schotty's appointment. Well, longtime Cowboys reporter Clarence Hill Jr. hinted he got an answer from none other than Dak Prescott during the latest DLLS Cowboys podcast.
Dak Prescott weighs in on Cowboys potentially hiring Brian Schottenheimer as head coach
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (probably) texted @clarencehilljr during @DLLS_Cowboys with his thoughts on Brian Schottenheimer possibly becoming the next head coach…
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) January 23, 2025
Prescott saying: “He’ll be ready for the next step. He has the right personality and brain.” 👀 #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/5hX3Xo9JDL
Prescott will reveal his full thoughts during his next media availability, but it sounds like he endorses the idea of Schottenheimer as head coach.
Of course, Prescott is extremely calculated with everything he says to the media, even text messages. He's mastered the art of quarterback speak because he knows even the finest step out of line will spark unwarranted criticism. It would be the lead story on every sports talk show in the country. Such is the life of being the quarterback of this franchise.
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Prescott spoke highly of Mike McCarthy throughout his tenure and publicly advocated for him to return for another season. He praised Jason Garrett as well. He's such an upstanding guy that he has strong relationships with everyone he works with.
The same can be said for Schottenheimer, who's been on staff for the last three years, including the last two as offensive coordinator. Prescott was never going to publicly condemn the (potential) hire, but his alleged text to Hill suggests he thinks highly of Schottenheimer.
With all of that said, not even Prescott's glass-half-full approach can resolve the apathy that is currently englufing Cowboys fans.
If you want an optimistic view, Schottenheimer has the traits to be a better HC than offensive coordinator. He's been a coach in the NFL for nearly two decades. His connections and relationships around the league may allow him to build a strong coaching staff.
The reality of the matter, though, is that Dez Bryant was still in his prime the last time Schottenheimer interviewed for a head coaching job (2013). No team this hiring cycle showed a sniff of interest in Schotty as a head coach or offensive coordinator.
It's a dark time to be a fan of this team.