If the Dallas Cowboys stumble to the finish and miss the playoffs for a third straight season, Brian Schottenheimer’s grip on the job could get awfully shaky. And if Jerry Jones decides to make a change this offseason, one name worth watching is Bruce Arians.
Arians told NFL insider Jordan Schultz that he has the “itch” to coach again now that his health has improved.
“Now that I’m all healthy again, I got the itch again, so, we’ll see,” Arians said. “Yeah, we’ll see. Never say never.”
Arians stepped away from the Buccaneers after dealing with a torn Achilles, a back issue and a heart problem during his last NFL season in 2021. He said those health concerns are behind him now, which is why a return is back on the table.
That possibility is intriguing for Dallas. Arians won a Super Bowl in 2020, owns two Coach of the Year awards and has long been regarded as one of the league’s sharpest offensive minds. He’d also bring something the Cowboys have lacked: a proven head coach with championship experience.
The fit makes sense on the field, too. Dallas’ offense is its strength, and Arians’ teams have consistently produced.
From 2015 through 2021, his offenses were regularly in the top 10. Even without calling plays in his three seasons in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers finished third, third and second in points.
Arians would also bring a different edge to the sideline. The Cowboys have been undisciplined, and Arians has built a reputation as both a players’ coach and a demanding one. Players tend to respond to him, but he also holds them accountable.
The obvious concern is age. Arians is 74 and could decide to step away again after a few years.
For most teams, that would be a real issue. For a Cowboys team in win-now mode, though, it might not matter much at all if he can deliver a title quickly.
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