Tough Challenges Await New Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer—Can He Handle the Pressure?
When Brian Schottenheimer took over as the Dallas Cowboys head coach, he inherited a team with high expectations and plenty of raw talent. But as any fan knows, talent alone doesn’t guarantee success in the NFL. Schottenheimer faces a daunting to-do list, and addressing these problem areas could determine whether he’s hailed as a savior or just another stopgap. Let’s explore what needs fixing, why it matters, and how these changes could reshape the Cowboys.
Strengthening the Defensive Interior

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The Cowboys’ defensive tackle position has been a glaring weak spot for years. Opposing teams don’t hesitate to exploit this vulnerability and run straight up the gut to keep Dallas’ defense on its heels. Sure, the Cowboys have drafted talent for this position, but those picks haven’t panned out. If Schottenheimer wants to stop the bleeding, he’ll need to bring in players who can clog lanes, collapse pockets, and take the pressure off the linebackers.
Rebuilding the Offensive Line’s Legacy

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Not long ago, Dallas boasted one of the NFL’s most feared offensive lines. Times have changed. Injuries, age, and inconsistent play have chipped away at this unit’s dominance. Zack Martin, once considered the team’s rock, battled injuries last season and might not stick around much longer. Without a dependable offensive line, the Cowboys risk compromising both their passing attack and running game. For Schottenheimer, the solution lies in finding a mix of experienced veterans and high-potential rookies who can restore this group to its former glory.
Fixing the Running Back Situation

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The Cowboys’ decision to let Tony Pollard walk left a noticeable void in their backfield. Ezekiel Elliott, though a fan favorite, hasn’t looked like the game-changing back he once was, and Rico Dowdle hasn’t done much to inspire confidence. The lack of a consistent rushing attack has thrown the entire offense off balance. Schottenheimer needs to identify a feature back—someone who can grind out tough yards while also threatening defenses with explosive plays.
Adding Stability at Linebacker

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Linebacker depth has been a problem for the Cowboys, and it has been made worse by injuries to key players like DeMarvion Overshown. Eric Kendricks held the fort admirably last season, but he’s not a long-term solution. The Cowboys need linebackers who can stop the run, drop into coverage, and, most importantly, stay healthy. A strong linebacker unit is the glue that holds a defense together, and right now, Dallas needs reinforcements.
Finding a True WR2 to Complement CeeDee Lamb

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CeeDee Lamb has grown to be one of the league’s premier wide receivers, but he can’t do it all alone. The lack of a legitimate second option in the passing game has made the Cowboys’ offense too predictable. Opposing defenses simply double-team Lamb and force Dallas to look elsewhere—often to players who aren’t up to the task. Adding a dependable WR2 would not only take some heat off Lamb but also open up opportunities for the entire offense.
Cutting Down on Penalties

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There’s no quicker way to derail a promising drive than with avoidable penalties. Unfortunately, the Cowboys have been their own worst enemy in this department, with frequent false starts, holds, and unnecessary roughness calls. These mental errors cost yardage, momentum, and games. Schottenheimer must instill a sense of discipline throughout the team and make sure that every player understands the importance of clean, precise football.
Turning Red Zone Opportunities Into Touchdowns

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It’s frustrating to march down the field only to settle for a field goal—or worse, come away empty-handed. That’s been the story of the Cowboys’ red zone struggles in recent seasons. Call it what you want–predictable play-calling, missed assignments, or a lack of creativity–something just isn’t clicking. Schottenheimer’s job will be to dissect what’s going wrong and fix it, even if that means tweaking the playbook or giving players a clearer understanding of their roles.
Establishing a Winning Culture

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The Cowboys’ locker room has been a mixed bag of personalities and approaches, and that lack of cohesion has sometimes spilled onto the field. Schottenheimer has an opportunity to reset the tone by fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and resilience. A strong culture predicts how players prepare, how they respond to adversity, and how they hold each other to a higher standard. If Schottenheimer can build that kind of environment, the results will show up on Sundays.
Assembling a Dynamic Coaching Staff

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No head coach succeeds in a vacuum. Schottenheimer needs to surround himself with assistants who not only share his vision but also bring their own strengths to the table. The right staff can make the difference between a good team and a great one, and Schottenheimer can’t afford to miss on these decisions.
Aligning With the Front Office

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The Cowboys’ relationship between the head coach and the front office has always been delicate. Schottenheimer will need to establish a strong working relationship with the team’s decision-makers to ensure that everyone is aligned on priorities and goals. Open communication will be essential to building a cohesive roster, especially when drafting the next star or deciding on a key free-agent signing.
Building Trust With Dak Prescott

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Dak Prescott has been the face of the Cowboys for years, and his performance often sets the tone for the team. For Schottenheimer, building a strong relationship with his quarterback is non-negotiable. This will involve understanding Prescott’s strengths, addressing his weaknesses, and putting him in the best position to succeed. A confident, supported quarterback can boost an entire team.
Blocking Out the Noise

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Being the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys comes with a level of scrutiny that few other jobs in sports can match. The media, the fans, the endless speculation—it’s enough to distract even the most focused team. Schottenheimer will need to keep his players insulated from the chaos, ensuring that their focus remains where it belongs: on the field. It’s easier said than done, but it’s a skill every successful Cowboys coach has had to master.