It took one question for Brian Schottenheimer's introductory press conference to turn into an absolute circus, otherwise known as the Jerry Jones show. The Joneses' buffoonery aside, Schottenheimer knocked it out of the park.
As much as Jones beat around the bush when asked why he picked Schottenheimer, the newly-minted head coach clearly outlined his culture and the players he wants.
It is seldom when a head coach botches their introductory press conference, but Schottenheimer knocked it out of the park. He should have inspired some confidence and hope into an apathetic fan base. Unfortunately, Jones didn't sound like someone who had conviction in his decision.
That could be product of Jones losing his fastball behind the microphone, but he certainly didn't do anything to quell concerns about the hire. Could that be because Schottenheimer wasn't Jones' top choice to succeed Mike McCarthy?
New rumor hints Cowboys targeted another head coach before hiring Brian Schottenheimer
On the latest episode of the Talkin' Cowboys podcast, Cowboys writer Patrik Walker revealed Pete Carroll had a "very real chance" of getting the Dallas job, but they "couldn't agree to terms."
Per @VoiceOfTheStar on Talkin’ Cowboys, Pete Carroll had a “very real chance” at the head coaching job in Dallas, but they “couldn’t agree to terms.”
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) January 28, 2025
Carroll ended up as the head coach with the Las Vegas Raiders and the rest is history. 🔬🧬
(🎥: @TalkinCowboys) pic.twitter.com/H21AOGrGD6
Carroll emerged as a candidate for the job late last week after it was learned Jerry Jones called Carroll regarding the team's now-former head coaching vacancy. The conversation was described as "informal", though, and Carroll took the Raiders' job the following morning.
Walker's intel flies in the face of what Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones told reporters on Monday. Jones said that the team called Carroll to pick his brain about Schottenheimer.
While we don't doubt that Carroll gave Schotty a glowing review, it would appear part of that conversation involved gauging Carroll's interest in the job.
It is worth noting that Walker has had perfect batting average in terms of disclosing info regarding Dallas' coaching search. He's one of the most reliable reporters on the Cowboys beat. If he says the team expressed interest in Carroll we believe him.
That doesn't necessarily mean Schottenheimer wasn't the Joneses first choice. The team's fondness of Schottenheimer was exposed early on in the search. It wasn't until Schotty's initial interview that he emerged as the frontrunner.
Having said that, but it sure sounds like Jerry Jones made a last-ditch offer to Carroll and (predictably) came up small at the negotiation table. How could he not?
Carroll is a Super Bowl-winning head coach with a near .600% winning percentage in 18 years as an NFL head coach. He made close to $15 million per year in his final years with the Seahawks. For context, McCarthy made $4 million in his final year with the Cowboys.
Jones was never going to win a bidding war for Carroll's signature but it is noteworthy nonetheless that he was interested in the 73-year-old before circling back to Schottenheimer.