The Brian Schottenheimer chapter in Dallas is still in its early stages, but there's a noticeable shift in the air around the Cowboys' facility. After a season that had its fair share of growing pains, there’s a renewed sense of hope - not just in the playbook, but in the culture.
Schottenheimer’s approach has brought a breath of fresh air to a locker room that, for years, seemed to be stuck in neutral. And while optimism doesn’t win games, it’s a good place to start.
Schottenheimer took over the reins after Mike McCarthy’s departure following the 2024 season. The Cowboys wrapped that campaign at 7-10, and after a string of playoff letdowns and growing tension around the direction of the team, the writing was on the wall.
While a contract dispute was cited as the tipping point, it was clear from the front office’s tone that McCarthy’s future in Dallas had been teetering for a while. The results just weren’t there, and in the NFL, that’s the bottom line.
McCarthy spent the 2025 season out of football - a rare pause in a career that’s seen its fair share of highs and lows. But the break didn’t last long.
He’s now back in his hometown of Pittsburgh, stepping in as the new head coach of the Steelers, replacing Mike Tomlin. That’s no small feat.
Since 1969, the Steelers have had just three head coaches - all of whom brought Lombardi Trophies to the Steel City. McCarthy becomes the fourth, and the expectations are sky-high.
In Pittsburgh, they’re banking on his championship pedigree. In Dallas?
Most fans are simply glad to have turned the page. After five seasons of frustration, inconsistency, and head-scratching decisions, Cowboys Nation is ready to move forward.
And as the McCarthy era officially closes, it’s worth revisiting why so many in Dallas are breathing a little easier these days.
1. The Talk Didn’t Match the Tape
McCarthy came in talking a big game. He famously claimed to have watched every snap of the Cowboys’ 2019 season before taking the job - only to later admit that wasn’t true.
He also sold fans on his belief in analytics, but when it came time to make decisions, the numbers often took a back seat to gut calls that didn’t pan out. It was a pattern that wore thin quickly.
2. Accountability Wasn’t His Strong Suit
Whether it was the officiating, the scoreboard, or just bad luck, McCarthy had a knack for deflecting blame. When things went south, he rarely took ownership.
That kind of leadership - or lack thereof - tends to trickle down, and over time, the locker room mirrored that same lack of accountability.
3. The 12-Man Problem
Having too many players on the field became a recurring theme under McCarthy, especially in high-stakes, late-game moments. It wasn’t just a one-off mistake - it was a trend.
And in the NFL, where every inch matters, those mental lapses are costly.
4. Discipline Woes
From rookies making avoidable mistakes to veterans committing costly penalties, the Cowboys consistently found ways to shoot themselves in the foot. Over McCarthy’s five-year run, the team led the NFL in penalties with 570.
That’s not just a stat - that’s a symptom of a bigger issue.
5. Special Teams Misfires
The fake punts. Oh, the fake punts.
While special teams coach John Fassel was the one dialing them up, McCarthy signed off on the overall game plan. Time and again, these trick plays backfired - poorly timed, poorly executed, and often leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
6. Clock Management Chaos
McCarthy’s struggles with time management became a running joke - until they weren’t funny anymore. Burning timeouts early in halves, hesitating in two-minute drills, and settling for field goals when there was time for more - it all added up.
In a league where clock control is an art form, the Cowboys often looked like they were finger painting.
7. An Offense Stuck in the Past
For a coach once hailed as an offensive mind, McCarthy’s system in Dallas felt outdated. There was a noticeable lack of motion, creativity, and adaptability.
He criticized former OC Kellen Moore for lighting up the scoreboard, preferring instead to "run the damn ball." The results?
Predictable play calls and stalled drives.
8. The Playoff Collapse
The 2023 playoff loss to Green Bay was a low point. As the No. 2 seed, the Cowboys fell to a No. 7 seed in a game that wasn’t close.
It wasn’t just a loss - it was an embarrassment. And it became a defining moment of McCarthy’s tenure in Dallas.
9. Practice Problems
Even the offseason wasn’t safe. The Cowboys were fined twice by the NFL for excessive contact during offseason practices.
That kind of sloppiness - even in June - speaks to a lack of control and attention to detail.
10. A Locker Room in Need of a Reset
Ultimately, McCarthy’s biggest failure may have been cultural. The locker room never quite felt unified, and the team’s identity was hard to pin down.
Schottenheimer’s early focus on connection and communication is already being felt, and while it’s far too early to declare a turnaround, it’s a step in the right direction.
So now, McCarthy heads to Pittsburgh, a city that demands toughness, discipline, and results. Maybe the change of scenery will reignite his coaching fire. But if the habits that defined his Dallas tenure follow him, the Steelers may be in for a bumpy ride.
As for the Cowboys, the Schottenheimer era is still in its infancy. But with a modern approach to offense, a renewed emphasis on discipline, and a locker room that seems more connected, Dallas fans have reason to believe the future might finally look different.