The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2025 offseason with a familiar mix of high hopes and deep skepticism. Following another underwhelming playoff exit, the team opted to part ways with longtime head coach Mike McCarthy. But the solution they turned to, a promotion for Brian Schottenheimer, hasn’t exactly inspired national confidence.
Despite Schottenheimer winning over some local analysts with his leadership and commitment to culture, many question whether a first-time head coach with limited past success is the right man for the job. According to Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, that uncertainty is exactly why the Cowboys have been named the NFC East’s biggest offseason loser.
A risky bet on the sideline
Schottenheimer, known more for his tenure as an offensive coordinator than a program-builder, now faces the immense pressure of coaching America’s Team in full spotlight. While his early efforts at rookie minicamp and his emphasis on “high character” additions have generated positive buzz in Dallas, outside observers are less convinced.
Moton argues the Cowboys downgraded by replacing McCarthy, a coach with a Super Bowl ring, with someone still unproven at the helm. The criticism is harsh, but not unfounded. Without experience managing the full weight of an NFL roster, Schottenheimer will have to adapt fast, or face backlash.
Running on empty?
Compounding concerns is the team’s apparent lack of urgency in replacing running back Rico Dowdle, who left in free agency. With Tony Pollard already gone and no clear bell-cow back on the roster, Dallas is looking at a potentially one-dimensional offense in 2025.
That’s a worrying sign for quarterback Dak Prescott, who will return healthy but may not have the supporting cast needed to elevate the team. As Moton notes, an unbalanced offense led by a rookie coach could undo any gains made under center.
A long road to redemption
Until the Cowboys prove critics wrong on the field, skepticism will persist. The NFC East remains fiercely competitive, and Dallas can’t afford another year of playoff frustration. Coach Schotty has the locker room’s trust for now, but he’ll need results to earn the league’s respect.
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