Dallas Cowboys’ Coaching Search: Schottenheimer Favored as Head Coach, Rex Ryan Eyed for Defensive Coordinator Role
FRISCO, TX – As the Dallas Cowboys enter a crucial period in their pursuit of a new head coach, there are significant developments taking place at The Star, the team’s training facility in Frisco. While no final decisions have been made, sources close to the situation suggest that Brian Schottenheimer, the team’s current offensive coordinator, has emerged as the strong favorite to take the reins as the Cowboys’ next head coach. However, a number of other high-profile candidates and rumors surrounding the staff shake-up continue to circulate, leaving fans and analysts alike eagerly speculating about what the future holds for America’s Team.
Schottenheimer’s Growing Momentum
The Cowboys have reportedly held multiple conversations with Schottenheimer this week, making him the front-runner for the head coach position. This is a clear sign of the organization’s increasing interest in promoting Schottenheimer to the top spot after a successful season as the team’s offensive coordinator. If the Cowboys do indeed make the move to hire him as their next head coach, Schottenheimer will undoubtedly look to bring in trusted members to round out his coaching staff, with several key positions needing to be filled.
Schottenheimer has a wealth of coaching experience, both as an offensive coordinator and in various roles across the NFL. His background includes stints with the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, and Jacksonville Jaguars, and his success in those positions has made him a sought-after candidate for head coaching roles. In Dallas, Schottenheimer’s offense displayed impressive growth, particularly in areas like the running game and quarterback development, which have been a focal point in the team’s offensive strategy.
As the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, Schottenheimer was instrumental in maximizing the potential of quarterback Dak Prescott, and his relationship with Prescott will likely play a pivotal role in whether or not Schottenheimer is ultimately chosen as the head coach. The question now is whether Schottenheimer, who has never been a head coach in the NFL, can translate his success as a coordinator into effective leadership at the top.
If Schottenheimer is indeed hired as the Cowboys’ next head coach, he will likely turn to his trusted allies to help him build a coaching staff that can execute his vision for the team. This is where the rumors surrounding Rex Ryan, the former New York Jets head coach, come into play.
Rex Ryan: A Familiar Face for Schottenheimer
One of the more intriguing rumors circulating from sources within the Cowboys’ front office is that Rex Ryan, a former NFL head coach and current ESPN NFL analyst, could be in line to take over as the team’s defensive coordinator. Ryan and Schottenheimer have a history together, having worked side by side during Ryan’s tenure with the New York Jets, where Schottenheimer served as the team’s offensive coordinator.
Ryan, who has established himself as one of the more colorful and outspoken personalities in the NFL coaching community, is no stranger to high-profile positions. He served as the head coach of the Jets from 2009 to 2014, leading the team to two consecutive AFC Championship Games in 2009 and 2010. Known for his brash demeanor and aggressive defensive schemes, Ryan built a reputation as one of the most vocal and fearless coaches in the NFL. His defense-heavy approach could be a perfect complement to Schottenheimer’s offensive mindset, giving the Cowboys a balanced, dynamic coaching structure moving forward.
However, Ryan’s potential hiring as defensive coordinator could be complicated by his past comments regarding the Cowboys. A year ago, Ryan publicly stated that he could have “fixed” the Cowboys’ defense, but the organization “couldn’t pony up the money” to bring him on board. This public criticism of the Cowboys’ ownership, particularly Jerry Jones, could create tension, especially considering the high regard in which Jones holds the leadership of the team. Despite these comments, however, Ryan’s familiarity with Schottenheimer could pave the way for his return to Dallas, especially if Schottenheimer is at the helm as head coach.
If Ryan were to join the Cowboys as defensive coordinator, it would represent a major shake-up in the team’s coaching staff. Ryan has a history of success in coordinating top-tier defenses, and his expertise could be just what the Cowboys need to elevate their defensive performance to the next level. While his style may be polarizing, his ability to get the most out of his players and inspire a high level of intensity could help turn around a defense that has often been a weak link for Dallas in recent years.
Cowboys’ Leadership: Seeing Past the Drama
Despite the drama surrounding Ryan’s past remarks, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ leadership might be willing to overlook those comments in favor of securing a proven defensive mind. Ryan’s brash personality has often been a double-edged sword, but his ability to field competitive defenses speaks for itself. Over the years, he has developed a reputation as one of the NFL’s top defensive minds, and his experience could be exactly what the Cowboys need to fortify their defensive unit.
The Cowboys have long been known for their explosive offense, but defense has remained a significant area of concern. Last season, despite a potent offense, the Cowboys were often forced to rely on high-scoring games to stay competitive, with their defense failing to consistently make the key stops when needed most. A defensive-minded coach like Ryan could shift the balance, giving Dallas a defense that complements the team’s offensive prowess.
Ryan’s return to coaching, however, is far from a done deal. There are a variety of factors that could influence whether or not Ryan takes on a prominent role in Dallas. Beyond the past comments and potential tension with ownership, Ryan has been out of the head coaching game for several seasons, and there may be concerns about how his coaching style will mesh with today’s NFL landscape. But if the Cowboys are serious about making a big move, Ryan could very well be part of the solution.
A Major Staff Overhaul on the Horizon?
Assuming Schottenheimer is named the new head coach, and potentially Ryan is brought on as defensive coordinator, the Cowboys could be facing a complete overhaul of their coaching staff. The addition of these two high-profile coaches would certainly make waves in the NFL, signaling that the Cowboys are willing to make bold moves to reassert themselves as championship contenders.
One key area that could see significant changes is the team’s defense. The Cowboys’ defense has shown flashes of brilliance over the past few years, particularly with players like Micah Parsons leading the charge. However, inconsistencies have plagued the team, and a fresh approach could help solidify the defense for the long term. Under Ryan’s leadership, the Cowboys’ defense could become more aggressive, more opportunistic, and more effective in critical situations.
On the offensive side of the ball, Schottenheimer will need to make sure that the Cowboys continue to develop Dak Prescott and the team’s offensive weapons. With Prescott in his prime and a solid group of playmakers, Schottenheimer’s task will be to fine-tune the offense and keep it in sync with the defense to create a well-rounded and championship-caliber team.
The Cowboys’ Future: Championship or Bust?
The coming months are likely to be filled with intense speculation, as the Cowboys’ front office works to finalize its decision regarding the head coaching position. With Schottenheimer emerging as the frontrunner and Ryan’s name being linked to the defensive coordinator role, the Cowboys may be positioning themselves for a major coaching shake-up that could define the team’s future for years to come.
Cowboys fans are hopeful that these changes will bring their beloved team closer to returning to the Super Bowl. The team has remained one of the most successful and high-profile franchises in the NFL, but recent seasons have seen them fall short in their playoff aspirations. By making bold moves to restructure their coaching staff and bring in proven leaders like Schottenheimer and Ryan, the Cowboys may be on the cusp of a new era, one that could ultimately result in a long-awaited return to championship glory.
As rumors continue to swirl and the Cowboys’ search for a new head coach intensifies, all eyes will be on The Star in Frisco to see what direction the team ultimately takes. Will Schottenheimer and Ryan be the catalysts for a Cowboys’ resurgence? Only time will tell, but for now, the future of the franchise is uncertain—and incredibly exciting.
