Despite Missing the Playoffs, Schottenheimer’s First Year with Cowboys Offers Plenty of Promise
The Cowboys’ 2026 season didn’t end the way anyone in Dallas hoped. A 7-9-1 record and no playoff berth is a tough pill to swallow, especially for a franchise with championship aspirations. But if you zoom in a little closer, there’s a lot more to unpack about Brian Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach - and frankly, a lot to like.
Let’s start with what went right.
Schottenheimer, stepping into his first-ever head coaching role, helped engineer one of the most productive offenses in the league. Under his guidance, Dak Prescott earned his fourth Pro Bowl nod, and George Pickens made his Pro Bowl debut. That’s no small feat - especially in a year filled with turbulence.
And make no mistake, Schottenheimer had to navigate some serious adversity. Just a week before the season kicked off, the Cowboys traded away their defensive cornerstone, Micah Parsons, to the Packers - a move that sent shockwaves through the league. Then came the tragedy involving Marshawn Kneeland, an emotional gut punch that deeply affected the locker room and the broader NFL community.
Despite all of that, Schottenheimer kept the offense humming.
Prescott, speaking on Sirius XM radio, gave some insight into why their partnership clicked so quickly.
“Just understanding how he's going to call a game,” Prescott said. “Understanding his flow and what he's trying to get done.
Obviously, each week there's a new development or new situation that you're going to encounter, just to see how he reacts, how he responds, and whatever plays he's calling. It was fun, and he's a hell of a play-caller and a great coach.”
That chemistry translated into results. Dallas finished seventh in the league in scoring, averaging 27 points per game.
Early in the season, they were flat-out explosive - topping 37 points in four of their first seven games. Yet, somehow, they came out of that stretch with just a 3-3-1 record, a reminder that offensive fireworks don’t always translate to wins without complementary football.
Still, Schottenheimer’s imprint on the run game was just as impactful as his work with Prescott. The Cowboys finally found consistency on the ground, thanks in large part to the emergence of Javonte Williams.
With the help of assistant coaches Klayton Adams and Conor Riley, Williams posted a career-best season: 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He was one of the most effective offseason additions in the league - and Schottenheimer made sure he was more than just a between-the-tackles grinder.
Then there’s Pickens. The talented wideout had his breakout season under Schottenheimer’s watch, becoming a reliable weapon and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. That kind of development speaks to a coaching staff that knows how to put its playmakers in position to shine.
Yes, the season ended in disappointment. The defense struggled without Parsons, and the team couldn’t quite close out enough games to stay in the playoff hunt. But if you’re looking for signs of life - for reasons to believe this team can take a leap in 2027 - Schottenheimer’s debut campaign gave you plenty.
Now comes the hard part: building on that foundation. The Cowboys are staring down a pivotal offseason, one that will shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come. But with Schottenheimer at the controls - a coach who’s already proven he can scheme with the best of them and keep a team together through adversity - Dallas has a steady hand guiding the ship.
The record might not show it yet, but the Cowboys may have found their guy.