Schottenheimer Emerges as the Surprise Favorite for Cowboys Head Coach

The Dallas Cowboys have sparked intrigue across the NFL with Brian Schottenheimer, their offensive coordinator for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, emerging as the frontrunner to become their next head coach. Despite being the only candidate among the four interviewees to move forward with a second conversation, Schottenheimer’s candidacy has been met with skepticism by fans yearning for significant change.

This decision comes amidst whispers of how Kellen Moore’s interview unfolded, potentially explaining why the Cowboys turned to Schottenheimer—and perhaps lending credence to the theory long held by franchise legend Troy Aikman.

Did Kellen Moore Decline the Cowboys?

One of the most puzzling aspects of the Cowboys’ head coach search is the trajectory of Kellen Moore, the current offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles and a former Dallas coordinator. While Moore initially appeared to be the favorite for the position, the shift toward Schottenheimer has left many wondering: Did Moore turn down the job?

ESPN’s Ed Werder shed light on this during the Cowboys’ official show, “Media Mash.” He revealed that Moore’s interview didn’t come close to using the full three-hour time limit allowed under NFL rules.

“First of all, I don’t think they spent a whole lot of time interviewing Kellen Moore at this point,” Werder noted. “They had a three-hour maximum, and they didn’t come close to using all of their time.”

This revelation raises questions about who lacked interest in pursuing the opportunity seriously. Did the Cowboys undervalue Moore’s potential, or did Moore, out of respect, participate in the interview while subtly signaling he wasn’t interested in returning to Dallas?

A Short Meeting Signals Big Implications

Unlike Schottenheimer’s reportedly extensive meetings—spanning as long as nine hours over multiple sessions—Moore’s brief interview could indicate a mutual lack of interest. It’s worth noting that the Cowboys’ familiarity with Moore, a former quarterback and assistant coach for the team, may have contributed to the abbreviated meeting. However, it’s also plausible that Moore, understanding the unique challenges of coaching under Jerry Jones, decided the position wasn’t the right fit for him.

As Werder pointed out, “You assume that they know him quite well… That being said, they didn’t use all three hours—they didn’t even come close.”

Troy Aikman’s Prediction Rings True

Troy Aikman, a Cowboys legend and two-time Super Bowl champion, offered a sobering perspective when the team’s coaching search began. Speaking on ESPN, Aikman questioned whether the Cowboys head coaching job is as coveted as it appears.

“As far as [the Cowboys being] a coveted job, I don’t know that that’s accurate,” Aikman said. “The Cowboys are obviously a high-profile team… but most football people that take over as head coach, they want to do it on their terms, and that’s hard to do in Dallas.”

Aikman’s comments echo loudly in the wake of these developments. If Moore, like Mike McCarthy before him, opted to pass on the opportunity, it underscores the challenge of coaching the Cowboys. The franchise’s structure and Jones’ influence often limit a coach’s autonomy, making the position less appealing to top candidates.

The Schottenheimer Gamble

If Brian Schottenheimer ultimately becomes the Cowboys’ next head coach, it will mark a controversial and unconventional choice. With no head coaching experience and a track record that doesn’t necessarily inspire confidence, Schottenheimer represents a safe, familiar option rather than a bold move.

His candidacy may be a reflection of the limited pool of interested candidates rather than a ringing endorsement of his qualifications. The extended meetings and discussions suggest the Cowboys’ front office sees him as someone who aligns with their vision, but the decision could come at the cost of fan and player confidence.

A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Dallas Cowboys remain one of the NFL’s most iconic teams, but their coaching search reveals the challenges of maintaining relevance and attracting elite talent. If Schottenheimer is hired, it will signify a continuation of the status quo rather than the transformative change many fans desire.

Whether or not Kellen Moore’s decision to step away—or Jerry Jones’ heavy hand in operations—played a role in shaping this outcome, one thing is clear: The Cowboys are at a crossroads. Their next move could define their trajectory for years to come.