The Dallas Cowboys had a tough year in 2024. They failed to make the postseason after going 7-10 and had to watch their division rival Philadelphia Eagles secure Super Bowl 59.
The Cowboys made some changes along the coaching staff, parting ways with Mike McCarthy and naming Brian Schottenheimer their next head coach.
That hiring had a ton of mixed reviews among fans and people around the league. With all seven head coaching vacancies filled, the Athletic polled 10 NFL executives and asked them to rank the new coaches. They used a point system with a first-place vote worth five points, a second-place vote worth four points and so forth.
In that voting, Schottenheimer was ranked last with just four total points.
NFL insiders rank best head coach hires: Why Vrabel tops list; Schottenheimer ‘underrated’? https://t.co/b0VJMRhQ6a
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) February 12, 2025
Cowboys News: Brian Schottenheimer Ranks Last in Coaching Poll
Despite being put last on the list, Schottenheimer was given some praise by an anonymous executive.
"He’s underrated. He has the ability to be a better head coach than coordinator. He’s confident. He has a vision for who he wants to be and how he wants to play, and he’ll be able to communicate that across the team."NFL Executive
Although Schottenheimer hasn't been a head coach in the NFL, he has been in the NFL for over two decades. He's been with Dallas since 2022, getting promoted to offensive coordinator for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
The Cowboys decided to stick with someone who is familiar with the team and ownership. Prior to landing with Dallas, he was the offensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks (2018-2020). Schottenheimer's offense was ranked in the Top 10 in four seasons as offensive coordinator.
Jerry Jones and company believe that this success will continue with him as the lead man, but executives around the league don't seem high on the hiring.
Only time will tell if that was the right move, but people around the NFL have their doubts.