All things considered, it's been a relatively drama-free offseason for the Dallas Cowboys. But there have been some sweeping changes to this roster, most notably on the defensive side of the football, and it will take one of the NFL's most illustrious franchises time to adapt to such massive alterations.
When you look at it like that, you'd think that for all of the players on the roster with a lot on the line, nobody has more to lose than the owner himself, Jerry Jones. But that couldn't be further from the truth, as Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer will have to face the music if this season doesn't go as planned.
Schottenheimer is entering his second season as the head coach in Dallas, and a 7-9-1 record in his first season isn't going to offer any blind loyalty to him. If this season doesn't mark a return to the playoffs, it won't take long for Cowboys fans' patience to run out and for them to start turning on him.
Brian Schottenheimer's Dallas Cowboys have a small margin for error
Last season was Year 1 of the Schotty era, and first-year coaches are typically given grace. But unlike last campaign, the expectations are higher for the 2026 NFL season, and it remains to be seen how he'll respond to the pressure.
Here's what we must remember: the standard for the Dallas Cowboys isn't the same as any ordinary franchise. There is a demand for excellence that Jerry Jones strives for, and when you have the history this franchise does, the fanbase doesn't tolerate losing seasons or early playoff exits.
We also have to realize that the hiring of Christian Parker as defensive coordinator was Schottenheimer's choice, so if the defense falters, it somewhat falls on his shoulders, too. We know the offense (as long as Dak Prescott is healthy) will be among the top scoring units, but the defense is a mystery.
This isn't to say the 52-year-old is certain to be fired if the Cowboys miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season, but it could put him on the hot seat for 2027. Unless things really fall off the rails this season, he'll get a third year at the helm, but three straight years with no playoffs would do it.
There is no doubt about Brian Schottenheimer's ability as a head coach and a play-caller, so it's hard to blame Jerry Jones for being patient with his new coach. And since he won't be given the same grace as last season, the defense must improve, and a stronger bid for the playoffs must follow.
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