When Brian Schottenheimer was hired as the 10th head coach in Dallas Cowboys history, fans didn't criticize Schottenheimer, but instead blamed Jerry Jones for deferring to another "yes man". In hindsight, it was silly to expect Jones to make a blockbuster hire.
Despite all of the negativity stemming from the Joneses' hiring process, there is increasing optimism about Schottenheimer and the Cowboys. While there are still major concerns about the run defense and the running back position, one former college has utmost confidence in Schottenheimer.
Former NFL head coach and now FOX NFL analyst Eric Mangini was on FS1's "Breakfast Ball" to say that people are underestimating Schottenheimer.
"Really smart, had a conviction of what he wanted to do offensively, but also very open to other things that we wanted to add," Mangini said. "I think it's an underrated hire because he's just as capable as any of these other first time head coaches, and I think he's going to be excellent."
Schottenheimer's schemes and adaptability is exactly what Cowboys need
Mangini went into the tangibles of what made Schottenheimer so valuable as his offensive coordinator during their days with the New York Jets in the mid-2000s. Mangini discussed that his offensive system revolved around shifts, motions and multiple formations.
Schottenheimer was also committed to running the football. That could be spun into a negative, but Schottenheimer one of the NFL's best offensive line coaches, Klayton Adams, as his offensive coordinator. The Cowboys' run schemes will be much-improved.
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Schottenheimer's style doesn't sound like the out-of-touch offense McCarthy insisted on running. It seemed like every week last season there was a hovering question on who would hold down the rushing attack, largely thanks to McCarthy (and the Joneses) being too loyal to Ezekiel Elliott.
We still have major questions on who will become the true RB1 next season, but Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams will probably take charge of that to begin the year. Schottenheimer's past schemes of motion offense can open up the door for fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue to catch some easy, short passes out of the backfield.
Like any first-year head coach, Schottenheimer will endure some growing pains. The 51-year-old is in a fortunate position, though. The Cowboys' roster is not short on talent and their injury luck should regress back to the norm after a nightmarish 2024.
Schotteheimer has won over a lot of Cowboys fans since the hire was made and it stands to reason that Mangini isn't the only coach - current or former - who thinks he will succeed.