Brian Schottenheimer’s First Coaching Staff in Dallas Brings a College Football Influence

A New Era for the Cowboys Under Schottenheimer

Brian Schottenheimer is officially assembling his first coaching staff as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, and he’s turning to the college football ranks to inject fresh energy into the team. With an emphasis on new ideas and development, Schottenheimer has already secured key hires from the collegiate level, signaling a bold approach to revitalizing the Cowboys after a disappointing 2024 season.

Junior Adams Joins Dallas to Coach Wide Receivers

One of Schottenheimer’s most intriguing hires is Junior Adams, Oregon’s co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Adams will now be responsible for coaching CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys’ receiving corps. This marks Adams’s first NFL coaching opportunity after years of experience at the college level, where he made a name for himself by developing top-tier receivers at Washington, Boise State, Eastern Washington, and Montana State.

Adams’s track record speaks for itself—he played a key role in the development of NFL-caliber receivers at Washington and Oregon, helping both programs achieve offensive success. His ability to refine route running, improve receiver technique, and implement creative passing concepts could be exactly what Dallas needs to elevate its passing attack.

Strengthening the Offensive Line with Conor Riley

Before bringing Adams aboard, Schottenheimer had already dipped into the college ranks by hiring Kansas State’s Conor Riley as the offensive line coach. Riley was instrumental in building a dominant run-blocking unit at Kansas State, and his expertise will be crucial in stabilizing a Cowboys offensive line that struggled with consistency last season.

With Adams focusing on the passing game and Riley bolstering the trenches, Schottenheimer is assembling a staff that emphasizes player development and fundamental execution—two areas where Dallas desperately needs improvement.

Matt Eberflus Brings Defensive Experience

On the defensive side, Schottenheimer has also made a major addition by hiring former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator. Eberflus, known for his disciplined defensive schemes, brings valuable NFL head coaching experience to the Cowboys’ sideline. His influence is already evident, as he has helped recruit several key assistants to join the Dallas coaching staff.

Eberflus’s defensive expertise could be a game-changer for a Cowboys unit that lacked consistency in 2024. His system is built on discipline, physicality, and forcing turnovers—elements that align well with Dallas’s defensive potential.

Schottenheimer Faces Immense Pressure in His First Head Coaching Job

Despite the promising hires, Schottenheimer’s first season as head coach comes with enormous pressure. The Cowboys finished 7–10 in 2024, failing to meet expectations in a season filled with inconsistency and missed opportunities.

His hiring was the result of a tumultuous coaching search, which only materialized after Dallas failed to retain Mike McCarthy. Now, with the spotlight on him, Schottenheimer must prove he can get the best out of Dak Prescott and reignite an offense that has struggled in recent years.

Can Schottenheimer’s College-Inspired Staff Make an Impact?

The decision to bring in college coaches like Adams and Riley suggests Schottenheimer is willing to embrace fresh perspectives. The transition from college to the NFL is not always seamless, but if Adams can help elevate the wide receiver group and Riley can reinforce the offensive line, these hires could pay dividends for the Cowboys.

Additionally, the presence of Eberflus provides much-needed NFL experience and leadership, balancing out the collegiate influences on the staff.

A High-Stakes Season Awaits

As Schottenheimer builds his staff, the Cowboys enter a crucial offseason filled with uncertainty. With Dak Prescott at the helm, talented playmakers like CeeDee Lamb, and a defense with potential, the pieces are in place for a turnaround. However, the pressure to deliver results will be immediate.

If Schottenheimer’s college-inspired approach translates to success, Dallas could quickly bounce back into playoff contention. If not, the franchise could find itself searching for answers once again. Either way, the 2025 season will be a defining moment for Schottenheimer and the Cowboys.