How Brian Schottenheimer became the Cowboys’ head coach :: ESPN
Todd Archer reveals that Mike McCarthy wanted a five-year deal to stay in Dallas, while Jerry Jones stuck to his guns at a three-year offer. That ended up being the difference that led to the Jan. 13 split. Then, only after three other candidates had been interviewed did the Joneses sit down with Schottenheimer, and Schottenheimer impressed. “The more we met, the more we wanted to meet,” Stephen Jones said. “I think that was helping us come to a conclusion on what that decision should be.”
DeMarvion Overshown gives injury update, outlook under Schottenheimer :: The Mothership
The promising linebacker says he’s getting around much better now than just a few weeks ago as he rehabs his second torn ACL in two seasons. And while he’s got a long road ahead of him, he’s already looking forward to a return to the field in 2025 under his new head coach. “He’s a guy that wants it as bad as we do — a family guy. Football is his passion,” Overshown said of Schottenheimer. “I can just see it in his face how badly he wants it. … When a coach shows me that side of him, it makes me want to go out there and give 100 percent on every play.”
Fixing the running game high Cowboys priority under Schottenheimer :: Cowboys Wire
Fans can expect the Cowboys to devote some significant attention to improving a ground attack that finished 26th in the league in EPA/rush. New blood is likely coming to the backfield even if Rico Dowdle is re-signed in free agency. But also look for offensive line play to be a major focus, with as many as two starting spots potentially up for grabs.
Fizzling Cowboys have lost their buzz. Here’s a quick way Jerry Jones can bring it back :: Dallas Morning News
A beefy O-lineman or another backup tight end taken in the first round won’t move the needle with mutinous Cowboys fans the way an electrifying running back from right in the Metroplex would. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty would rack up yards, make playcalling easier, be in the mix for year-end awards, and sell a ton of tickets and merch… not to mention hope. The only chance Jerry has at making nice with fans may be to give them something with a little buzz.
Cowboys 7-round mock draft tailored to the new Schottenheimer regime :: Cowboys Wire
Another first-round lineman? Yep, but Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons would be a big upgrade over Terence Steele. Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson in the second round offers a reliable chain-mover out of the backfield. Even if the club brings back Osa Odighizuwa, Kentucky’s Deone Walker is a freak at D-tackle and a great third-round find. Later rounds bring a safety and linebacker from the Big Ten, an X-receiver from the SEC, a Syracuse tight end, and two prospects- a cornerback and a value QB project- from Louisville.
Cowboys sign TE coach Lunda Wells to contract extension :: Cowboys Wire
A key piece of the Cowboys’ offensive puzzle for the past five years and a talented coaching candidate still on the rise, Wells signed an extension to remain on Brian Schottenheimer’s staff. He did visit with the Bears and their new head coach, Ben Johnson, this week, but will instead return to the Cowboys for a sixth season.
Cowboys interview Saints RBs coach Derrick Foster for same job :: ProFootballTalk
Derrick Foster spent one year in New Orleans but was with the Chargers for three years prior to that. After working with Alvin Kamara and Austin Ekeler, he could be brought to Dallas to handle the implementation of Schottenheimer’s running game, a job held last year by Jeff Blasko.
Report: Cowboys ‘are considering’ controversial twice-fired candidate for OC role :: Cowboys Wire
Ken Dorsey is remembered as the winningest quarterback in Miami Hurricanes history… and for his viral meltdown in the coach’s box during a 2022 game as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator. He was fired by both the Bills and Browns in over the past two years, but Dallas is reportedly keen to interview him for their OC job opening.
Tyler Smith makes game-winning catch for NFC in Pro Bowl Games dodgeball :: Dallas Cowboys
Cam Newton suggests Cowboys could tank for Arch Manning, hire Nick Saban :: Longhorns Wire
The outlandish ex-Panther offered his wild take on First Take Thursday. “I think they’re tanking for Arch,” Newton said. “Coach Schottenheimer has one-and-done written all over him. Okay, why do you want one and done? You get the first pick of the draft. Not only that, I’m going to go back into my Godfather bag and say, ‘Okay, Jerry Jones is a businessman, and he’s going to get into his Don Corleone mentality and he’s going to give him a deal he can’t refuse.’ Who? Nick Saban. Go get Nick Saban as your head coach and Arch Manning as your No. 1 pick.” Never mind that Manning hasn’t even been named the starter in Austin yet, or that no one at all is talking about Saban making a return to the NFL.
Alternate Reality: Cowboys could’ve been led by Dan Quinn, Mike Zimmer as opposed to current path :: Cowboys Wire
The Cowboys could have axed Mike McCarthy after the infamous playoff loss to Green Bay and handed the 2024 reins to Dan Quinn. Or they could have let last season play out and then promoted Zimmer to head coach earlier this month, opening the door for Matt Eberflus or even Al Harris to take over as defensive coordinator. In both scenarios, Schottenheimer might have been let off his leash as an OC with actual play-calling duties.
Dallas Cowboys flex brand power as new hosts of tennis tournament :: Bloomberg
Since they don’t need their practice facility to prep for the Super Bowl, the Cowboys are loaning it out to other sports. The team has partnered with the Dallas Open to bring the 2025 tennis event to The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco. That has helped bring bigger names to the tourney and a winner’s purse that’s more than triple last year’s prize.
NFL announces a record low in player concussions sustained during the preseason :: CBS Sports
The 44 concussions sustained during practices and games in the 2024 preseason represent a 24% decrease from 2023 and is fewer than half of the 91 concussions sustained in 2017. The league cites rule changes, education on proper techniques, improved helmet safety, research, and the expanded use of Guardian Caps as contributing factors. “There is more work to do,” a spokesperson said, “but player safety is advancing, and we hope to see this trend continue this season.”
