A New Era in Dallas: Winners Under Brian Schottenheimer’s Coaching Staff

The Dallas Cowboys have ushered in a new coaching regime, and while there are still gaps to fill, one thing is clear—Brian Schottenheimer is making his mark as the new head coach. The front office has emphasized “continuity” as a key reason for his appointment, but recent hires indicate that strategic shifts are on the horizon.

With change comes opportunity, and some players are poised to thrive under the new system. Let’s take a closer look at the biggest winners following the Cowboys’ latest coaching moves.

Tyler Smith: A Perfect Fit for the New Blocking Scheme

The changes in Dallas’ offensive philosophy will have a significant impact on the entire offensive line, but perhaps no player will benefit more than left guard Tyler Smith. The arrival of offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, signals a major shift toward utilizing pulling blockers more frequently.

In 2024, the Cowboys ranked 22nd in rushing attempts that employed pulling blockers, while the Cardinals ranked first, according to Sports Info Solutions. This change plays right into Smith’s strengths—his power, agility, and violent blocking style. Imagine No. 73 charging into open space or bulldozing defenders in tight quarters. If Dallas leans into counter and other gap schemes, Smith will be unleashed in a way never seen before.

Brevin Spann-Ford: More Tight Ends, More Opportunities

Klayton Adams’ influence doesn’t stop at the offensive line. His preference for multiple tight end sets should elevate Brevin Spann-Ford’s role in the offense. The Cardinals ranked second in the league in using 13 personnel (three tight ends) and ninth in 12 personnel (two tight ends).

This trend bodes well for Spann-Ford, who played as the Cowboys’ TE3 last season with a 26% snap share. While Luke Schoonmaker and starter Jake Ferguson have been solid, Spann-Ford arguably offers better blocking ability. Expect his value to rise as Dallas leans into a heavier tight end presence in their offensive game plan.

Hunter Luepke: Fullback Versatility in High Demand

Many times, the Cardinals used a tight end in the fullback role, but the Cowboys may not need to follow that blueprint thanks to Hunter Luepke. Last season, Luepke showcased his ability to blur the line between tight end and fullback, and he could take on an even larger role in 2025.

With a new coaching staff that values positional flexibility, Luepke’s versatility becomes an asset that Dallas can further exploit. Expect to see more creative deployments of his skill set as the offense evolves.

Rico Dowdle: The Running Game Gets a Boost

All these offensive shifts point to one thing: an increased emphasis on the run game. Although Rico Dowdle is currently a free agent, he remains the presumptive RB1 until another player steps in to challenge him—perhaps a prospect like Ashton Jeanty.

The Cardinals ranked sixth in Expected Points Added (EPA) per rushing attempt and had the second-highest explosive play rate on the ground, per SIS. If Dallas follows suit, their running backs will thrive. Dowdle stands to benefit greatly—if he re-signs, he could be at the forefront of a revitalized rushing attack.

Osa Odighizuwa: Primed for an Aggressive Role in the New Defense

On the defensive side, pending free agent Osa Odighizuwa could emerge as a major winner under Matt Eberflus’ scheme—if he stays in Dallas. Odighizuwa was already well-utilized under Mike Zimmer and Dan Quinn, but Eberflus’ system would shine an even brighter spotlight on him.

Eberflus relies on a four-man rush and a one-gap approach, which differs from Zimmer’s two-gap style. The advantage? Odighizuwa can play more aggressively, attacking his assigned gap rather than reacting to the play. This shift could unlock his full potential, making his re-signing an even higher priority for the Cowboys.

Conclusion: The Cowboys’ Future Looks Bright

With Brian Schottenheimer at the helm and a fresh set of coaching philosophies taking shape, several Cowboys players are poised for breakout seasons. From Tyler Smith’s enhanced role in the blocking scheme to Odighizuwa’s aggressive defensive potential, the changes signal exciting developments for Dallas.

While challenges remain, one thing is clear: the Cowboys are evolving, and these players are set to thrive in the new system. Stay tuned as the roster takes shape under this new regime.