Jerry Jones’s decision to name Brian Schottenheimer the 10th head coach of the Dallas Cowboys was met with, at best, skepticism and outrage at worst. “Is that really the best we could do?” fans asked themselves. “Can he even coach?”
Only time will tell, but let’s just say expectations are low.
Media outlets were equally unimpressed. CBS Sports recently released its 2025 NFL head coach rankings, and Schottenheimer landed at No. 31, ahead of only Brian Callahan of Tennessee.
Is Schottenheimer really the second-worst coach in the league? Let’s take a closer look at what’s behind the ranking and whether it holds up to scrutiny.
Brian Schottenheimer’s Coach Ranking: How Do We Evaluate Him As A Head Coach?
Why That Ranking Might Be Justified
It’s worth noting that CBS Sports broke these rankings down into three tiers: Unproven or underwhelming (bottom tier), serviceable veterans, and the cream of the crop (top tier). By that measure, Schottenheimer naturally falls in the bottom third. But is listing him that low in tier-three warranted?
No Head Coaching Experience
Schottenheimer’s coach ranking starts with the most obvious: he’s never been an NFL head coach, not even on an interim basis.
His coaching career began in 1997 as an assistant with the then-St. Louis Rams. He then served as a quarterbacks coach from 2001-2005, before holding the offensive coordinator position with multiple teams from 2006-2024.
At no point during that span was he ever seriously considered for a head coaching position.
That alone raises a fair question: if no one else saw him as head coach material for over two decades, what exactly did Jerry Jones see?
As for his track record? Schottenheimer’s resume is… fine. I guess. Not a disaster, but certainly not revelatory either. His 12 years as an offensive coordinator with the Jets, Rams, Seahawks, and Cowboys all featured balanced philosophies that leaned heavier on the run, but offered little in the way of creativity or innovation.
He produced strong rushing attacks with the Jets from 2008-2010 and with the Seahawks in 2018 and 2019, but the passing game always lagged behind, consistently ranking near the bottom of the league. The lone exception was 2023, when the then-head coach Mike McCarthy was calling plays.
And let’s just agree to ignore his Rams tenure.
The truth is, a Brian Schottenheimer-led offense has never elevated a team. He’s never been on the cutting edge of offensive progression, and he’s generally been ho-hum as a play-caller.
Jerry Jones Has A Type, And That’s Not A Good Thing
Finally, there’s the ever-present elephant in the room: Jerry Jones and the reality of his head coach selections. The Cowboys haven’t hired a strong-willed, assertive head coach since Bill Parcells. Jones prefers coaches who will toe the company line, stay in their lane, and not challenge the power structure.
That’s not a knock on Schottenheimer personally. It’s simply an acknowledgment that Jones has a type.
Did a clear coaching vision lead to his hiring, or did he fit a long-standing organizational mold?
So yeah, CBS ranking him second-to-last might not be the slight some believe it to be. That’s the uncomfortable truth: Schottenheimer might just be bad. Or, he might surprise us all. Only the performance on the field will prove it right or wrong. But at present, Schottenheimer has earned reasonable skepticism.
Still, That Ranking Might Be Flawed
Schottenheimer doesn’t deserve a top-half coaching ranking. But placement this low on the list reflects more than just coaching potential. Dallas isn’t afforded the benefit of the doubt—not from fans, and certainly not the media.
Rewind to 2023, Schottenheimer’s first year as Dallas’ offensive coordinator. Yes, Mike McCarthy was calling the plays. But Schottenheimer’s involvement helped guide the offense to one of the most productive in the league—fifth in total offense and first in scoring. Dak Prescott enjoyed a career year, earning Second Team All-Pro honors and finishing runner-up for league MVP.
Even if Schottenheimer wasn’t the play-caller, he played a key role in planning, installs, and weekly adjustments. He was also the one working directly with the quarterback. That matters.
2024 was disappointing, but the Cowboys had no running game to speak of, a shaky offensive line, and no reliable secondary pass catcher.
This offseason, Dallas addressed the running back position through the draft and free agency, went offensive line in the first round, and traded for George Pickens. Their quarterback will also start the season healthy and appears poised for a bounce-back 2025 season. Not too shabby.
Also, consider the alternatives. If you look at the rest of the names in the bottom third of the rankings, you’ll find other first-time head coaches, some who are taking over full-blown rebuilds. Schottenheimer is inheriting a playoff-caliber roster littered with Pro Bowlers. That comes with pressure, sure, but also opportunity. If we’re ranking coaches based on what they’ve actually done or what they’re walking into, Schottenheimer at 31 feels low.
It’s totally fair to question the hire. But the idea that he’s a worse coach than nearly everyone else in the league doesn’t quite pass the smell test.
Is Schottenheimer Really The 31st-Best Coach? Time Will Tell
Schottenheimer might not be the bold hire Cowboys fans were hoping for, but let’s give him a chance. His resume doesn’t scream “next great NFL head coach,” but writing him off before he coaches a single game is premature.
This isn’t a rebuilding roster, and they’re not searching for a franchise quarterback. This is a team that expects to compete this year. If Schottenheimer can lean on his coaching staff and avoid overcomplicating things, he has a chance to outperform expectations. Low as they are.
Maybe CBS Sports got it right by ranking Brian Schottenheimer 31st in their head coach rankings. Maybe not. Either way, we’re about to find out. Because for all the questions surrounding him, one thing is certain:
He won’t be able to hide from the bright lights for long.
Main Image: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
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