The Dallas Cowboys officially introduced new Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer on Monday as the organization continues to fill in the gaps with the rest of the coaching staff.
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones and Executive Vice President Stephen Jones hosted a press conference to introduce the organization’s 10th head coach.
Jerry spoke about the hire and said he believes it is “the best way that we can go to the playoffs and win,” explaining that the risks involved will be worth the decision.
“Our fans have been very patient. Very patient. I want to tell them how appreciative I am of their support and their interest in the Dallas Cowboys. Now there’s a whole bunch of those fans who look because they want to see me grovel. But to those fans who have been with us… this decision to bring Schotty in is risky. It’s not a hail mary at all. At all in any way,” he said, according to RJ Ochoa of SB Nation.
“But it’s founded over some very unique… circumstances. I know how much our fans are into the Dallas Cowboys. And for me to be into it is no solace at all. We’re interested, they’re interested, I’m interested in getting into those playoffs and win it.”
As highlighted by The Dallas Express, the hiring of Schottenheimer was seen as a surprising move due to the lack of success and head coach experience with other organizations.
However, Schottenheimer said that he is a “big believer in shifts and motion” and plans to implement plays that get the best out of players, providing some hope for the Cowboys’ coming season, as reported by Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team.
Schottenheimer added that the team will only pursue “world-class competitors” and players who have a “relentless work ethic.”
“You don’t belong in this organization if you don’t value relationships. This business has never been about Xs and Os. It’s about people,” he explained, per RJ Ochoa.
“People that love this game. The game of football has given me so much, my family so much. But if you’re not passionate about the game of football and the shield and what it represents… then you are probably in the wrong business.”
Although the Cowboys have signed Schottenheimer to a four-year contract, which directly coincides with the contract lengths of quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, the rest of the coaching staff still has a few holes that must be filled.
Former Dallas linebacker coach and former Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus has already agreed to terms on a contract that will make him the team’s defensive coordinator.
This signing should help stabilize a defense that will now enter a third consecutive season with a new play-caller following the departures of former defensive coordinators Mike Zimmer and Dan Quinn.
The organization is still searching for an offensive coordinator to assist Schottenheimer this season, with a few names standing out as the most likely.
One potential candidate for the role is Atlanta Falcons tight ends coach Kevin Koger, who does not have experience as an offensive coordinator but is expected to meet with Dallas to discuss the role, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Additionally, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported on Sunday that Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams is another option for the team, though no interview has been scheduled to this point.
The good news for the Cowboys is that Schottenheimer is expected to call plays for the team next season, meaning the overall offensive system is expected to remain similar to the last few years.
Regardless, filling out the remaining spots on Schottenheimer’s coaching staff will be an incredibly important task for America’s Team in the coming weeks.