The list of candidates for the Cowboys’ head coaching position continues to grow. An in-house staffer will be the next to receive a look as Dallas’ search continues. 
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has an interview lined up with the Cowboys, as first reported by Ian Rapoport and Jane Slater of NFL Network. Three interviews have taken place so far for the position, all with external candidates. Schottenheimer will represent a potential option for an internal promotion depending on how his meeting goes.
The son of longtime NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer, Brian has 14 years of coordinator experience. That includes the past two seasons where he has held the OC title in Dallas. Prior to that, Schottenheimer worked as a consultant for the team for the 2022 campaign. Then-head coach Mike McCarthy took over as play-caller when he moved on from Kellen Moore, so Schottenheimer’s responsibilities have not been the same in Dallas as they have in his other gigs.
Still, the fact he is familiar with the Cowboys’ offense in general and quarterback Dak Prescott in particular is a factor which could work in his favor. Forming (or having) a strong connection with the team’s franchise passer is a key element in Dallas’ ongoing search. Prescott was among the players to endorse a new deal for McCarthy, but talks on that front never produced serious traction before it was announced a new coach would be brought in.
As a result, the Cowboys are in the market for a McCarthy replacement. The team’s search has been expected to expand in the near future, so it will be interesting to see how many other candidates receive a look over the coming days. Schottenheimer’s candidacy for a first head coaching gig will be a notable storyline as the 2025 HC landscape continues to take shape.
Via PFR’s search tracker, here is an updated look as the Cowboys’ situation:
- Bill Belichick, head coach (North Carolina): Mutual interest would have existed
- Leslie Frazier, assistant head coach (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/20
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Mentioned as candidate
- Kliff Kingsbury, offensive coordinator (Commanders): Mentioned as candidate; won’t interview until after season
- Anthony Lynn, run game coordinator/running backs coach (Commanders: ‘Mutual interest’ expressed
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/17; frontrunner?
- Robert Saleh, former head coach (Jets): Interviewed 1/18
- Deion Sanders, head coach (Colorado): Discussions commenced; no deal expected
- Brian Schottenheimer, offensive coordinator (Cowboys): To interview
- Jason Witten, head coach (Liberty Christian School): Strong contender?
Man, did his dad have a great running game!
Probably the worst candidate out there and now and we’re interviewing him. Nice. The man didn’t even call plays last year. He is not on any other team’s radar. You’re doin great Jerry.
I also don’t understand what the point of firing McCarthy was if this is going to be your replacement
Mike wasn’t fired. Mike’s contract was simply up and they (Mike & Jerry) failed to come to an agreement on a new deal. So, both have went on their own separate ways.
Jones Clowns at it again
Maybe the problem is not the headcoach? Maybe the problem is putting too much of the financial resources into their current QB leaving less money to bolster the rest of the team?
If this is the hire I’m telling you I’m boycotting everything cowboys .. and all of ya should follow..until jerra starts making good football decisions or hires someone to do it for him..he hasn’t made any right decision that has lead to anything near a Super Bowl appearance in what ..25 yr or so .. I’m done ..thats literally half my life ..
Brian Schottenheimer is getting a interview along with Tom Brady’s gardener, the Carolina Panthers waterboy, and the head crossing guard for the Miss Manners school for girls ( He coached the flag football intermural team). I still think Neon Deion has the inside track. Wouldn’t be disappointed to see Witten get a shot though.
You wouldn’t be disappointed to see Witten get a shot? Why? A Witten hire would be worse than the one being discussed in the article above. Witten is an average high school coach. What makes you think he will be a good HC in the NFL?