Brian Schottenheimer seems determined to maintain his demeanor despite stepping up from offensive coordinator to the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. However, he’s open to making internal changes. We’ve already seen some of this, evident in the Cowboys’ strategy during the NFL Draft, where emphasis was placed on high character and leadership qualities.
Further examples emerged during the rookie minicamp, including alterations in the locker room setup, such as moving Micah Parsons’ seat closer to Dak Prescott’s. These changes aren’t random but are part of a deliberate plan, as Schottenheimer explained.
“We rearranged some players this year—myself and the staff made those decisions, and the players don’t get a say in it,” Schottenheimer told reporters on Saturday. “But there’s a method to this madness. When the players entered the team room for the first time, I had them stand up and change seats. Why? It’s a new year. It’s 2025. We’ll continue this in 2026, 2027, and beyond.”
Since taking over as head coach in January, Schottenheimer has consistently emphasized fostering a locker room culture rooted in strong relationships, a theme noticeable throughout the offseason. This strategy allows him to communicate that things are being done differently.
“I believe starting a new year means doing something different or altering something,” Schottenheimer noted. “So yes, it’s something that’s discussed, considered, but there’s often a method to the madness.”
Rearranging seats in the locker room won’t directly lead to Super Bowl victories for Schottenheimer and the Cowboys. The team still has a long journey ahead to become serious contenders, but it’s evident that the new head coach is setting his own course now that he has the most significant opportunity of his career. We’ll see how his approach unfolds.