Jerry Jones Backs Brian Schottenheimer Despite Cowboys' Struggles: "We’ve Got a Great Future Ahead"
The Dallas Cowboys are sitting at 6-7-1, and their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread-so much so that even team owner Jerry Jones recently admitted it would take a "miracle" to sneak into the postseason. But despite the record and the adversity that’s piled up this season, Jones is standing firmly behind first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
In a Friday interview on Dallas sports radio station 105.3 The Fan, Jones made it clear: Schottenheimer isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
“He’s had an outstanding year,” Jones said. “He’s technically as sound as you can draw up. We really like his philosophy of how to play football… Bottom line is, I’m very pleased with his first year as coach.”
That’s a strong vote of confidence for a coach whose team is on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. But when you look at the full context of Schottenheimer’s first season at the helm, it’s easy to see why Jones is preaching patience.
A Year of Adversity-and Adjustments
Let’s start with the roster shake-ups. Back in late August, the Cowboys made a blockbuster move by trading away their top defensive weapon, Micah Parsons, to the Green Bay Packers.
In return, Dallas picked up two first-round picks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark. That’s a big haul, but there’s no replacing a game-wrecker like Parsons overnight.
To their credit, the Cowboys tried to patch the holes. Before the November 4 trade deadline, they brought in defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson-two high-motor players who’ve made their presence felt.
But even with those reinforcements, the defense has struggled to find its footing. Over the past two weeks alone, Dallas has given up a combined 78 points in back-to-back losses.
That defensive collapse has left the door wide open for the Philadelphia Eagles, who at 9-5 are just one win away from clinching the NFC East. If Philly takes care of business against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, the Cowboys will officially be eliminated before they even take the field against the 10-4 Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Schottenheimer’s Leadership Under Fire-and Under Control
Despite the record, Schottenheimer’s leadership has drawn praise from inside the building-and not just for his Xs and Os. This season has tested him in ways that go far beyond game plans and play calls.
One of the most emotional moments of the year came in early November with the sudden passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. It was a gut punch to the locker room, and a moment that could’ve derailed the entire season. But Schottenheimer, by all accounts, helped keep the team together during one of the toughest stretches imaginable.
“He’s the busiest guy in town,” Jones said. “Not only is he calling the plays, but at the same time, he’s had the kind of challenges that you can’t draw up-relative to the team, relative to individual issues on the team, relative to some of the setbacks that we’ve had. He’s had it all… Boy, he’s made progress, and we’ve got a great future ahead.”
That’s not just lip service. Jones has seen enough to believe that Schottenheimer is the right guy to lead this team forward-even if the scoreboard hasn’t always shown it.
Who’s on the Hot Seat?
While Schottenheimer appears secure in his role heading into next season, there’s a different vibe around the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus seems to be taking the brunt of the blame for the Cowboys’ struggles on that side of the field. And with the defense collapsing down the stretch, it’s fair to wonder whether changes could be coming there in the offseason.
But for now, Jones is keeping the focus on what’s ahead-and that includes sticking with the head coach he believes in.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys may not get that miracle they need to reach the playoffs, but Jones isn’t letting that define the season. He sees growth.
He sees leadership. And most importantly, he sees a foundation being laid.
Brian Schottenheimer’s first year in Dallas hasn’t been easy. But in the eyes of the man who matters most in the Cowboys organization, it’s been a year worth building on.