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Offseason | 2025

Jerry Jones says Schottenheimer is 'the best way' Cowboys can win in playoffs

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FRISCO, Texas – For the ninth time since buying the Cowboys in 1989, owner and general manager Jerry Jones had to hire a new head coach following the 2024 season. On Monday, he introduced Brian Schottenheimer as the 10th head coach in franchise history.

"He's got those skills, he's done that, in particular, he's uniquely qualified to coach Dak [Prescott]…" Jones said. "Schotty's been doing this 25 years, he's got tons of experience, he's dealt with many players and quarterbacks… it's just a rare situation, that's why I took it for the Cowboys."

Even though Schottenheimer has been in the league for a quarter of a century, this is his first time being a head coach. With that comes the risk of the unknown, which Jones understands is the case and is comfortable with being uncomfortable.

"If you don't think I can operate out of my comfort zone you're so wrong," Jones said. "This is as big a risk as you could take, no head coaching experience."

The Cowboys made the decision to move on from Mike McCarthy two weeks ago, bringing into question what the team would be looking for in their next head coach. With Schottenheimer, the organization believes they're getting the best of both worlds.

"I think Schotty's the perfect combination of keeping some continuity but also effecting change." Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said.

The Joneses clearly feel good about their decision to hire Schottenheimer, but also hear the noise from the fanbase outside the building that was at times maybe expecting a bigger name or a more proven coaching decision because of the team's struggles in the past to win in the playoffs.

"We're not naive, I know our fans aren't going to believe and there's going to be pressure until we get the job done..." Stephen Jones said. "Our goal is to win a Super Bowl, I've never seen a man more driven than Jerry."

Schottenheimer's promotion to head coach is the third such promotion the Cowboys have made with Jerry Jones at the helm. Dave Campo was promoted from defensive coordinator in 2000, and Jason Garrett from offensive coordinator in 2011. Jerry Jones clarified that Schottenheimer would call plays for the Cowboys offense, and did not expand on any coaching staff decisions.

When the Jones family told Schottenheimer to offer him the head coaching job, Jerry Jones told the story of how Schottenheimer called his mother, Pat, immediately after the fact with the motivation to win a Super Bowl for his late father, legendary head coach Marty Schottenheimer.

"When he called his mother…" Jones said, "One of the things he said to his Mama was 'Mama, I'm gonna get a chance to get what Daddy didn't get: a Super Bowl, if it kills me. And the first one will be for him.'"

The Cowboys won't play a regular season game under Schottenheimer until September, but the coming months will be crucial for his tenure. Coaching staff decisions, free agency and the 2025 NFL draft will be some of the early points of emphasis as Schottenheimer builds towards his head coaching debut. For now though, the Joneses believe that Schottenheimer is the right man to lead the Cowboys back to the postseason.

"This is the best way that we can go to the playoffs and win." Jerry Jones said.

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