Brian Schottenheimer Choked up Before First Game as Cowboys’ Head Coach: “It’s Been a Dream of Mine”

Despite winning records in the regular season, the Dallas Cowboys replaced former head coach Mike McCarthy with Brian Schottenheimer.

Brian Schottenheimer Choked up Before First Game as Cowboys’ Head Coach: “It’s Been a Dream of Mine”

Brian Schottenheimer (Image via Yahoo Sports)

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Saturday night’s preseason opener at SoFi Stadium was a special occasion for Brian Schottenheimer. After more than 30 years of coaching in the NFL, he finally got the chance to lead a team as a head coach, that too none other than “America’s team”.

Standing on the sidelines of his first preseason game, Schottenheimer shared an emotional moment with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones that brought him close to tears.

I got a little bit choked up coming to the stadium. When Jerry and I talked a little bit, I got a little emotional. It’s been a dream of mine to be in this chair.

Brian Schottenheimer said post game

The game, however, didn’t go as smoothly as he might have hoped. The Cowboys started poorly, gaining just one yard of offense in the first quarter while the Rams marched for 160 yards and two touchdowns.

Dallas also hurt itself with penalties, 11 in total, including a bizarre unsportsmanlike conduct flag on CeeDee Lamb, who wasn’t even playing. Lamb was standing too close to the sideline during a play and accidentally collided with an official.

Second-year quarterback Joe Milton, expected to back up Dak Prescott this season, had a mixed performance in his debut. He completed 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, while adding 22 rushing yards. The interception came on a deep throw into double coverage, which Schottenheimer said will be a learning moment. Milton left the game early after taking a hit to the elbow, but the injury is believed to be minor.

I think he settled down later and started using his legs better. Every rep he gets will help him become a great pro.

Brian Schottenheimer said post game

From a strategy standpoint, the Cowboys kept things simple, running a “vanilla” game plan. Schottenheimer used the game to practice communication and decision-making with his staff, sometimes treating situations like a real game and other times like a preseason test run.

Several key players, including this year’s first-round pick Tyler Booker, didn’t suit up, but Schottenheimer conveyed that the team has a rotation plan for the three preseason games. More players will see action next week when Dallas returns home to face the Ravens. Despite the disappointing result, Schottenheimer said his first game as a head coach was cool. He’s unfazed by the pressures at this point.

Brian Schottenheimer continues the family legacy

Brian Schottenheimer comes from a revered name in NFL history. The Schottenheimers have been in the league for some time now. Marty Schottenheimer served as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Washington, San Diego Chargers, and the Kansas City Chiefs from 1984-2006.

Brian Schottenheimer
Brian Schottenheimer (Image via NBC News)

The senior Schottenheimer also spent some time in New York and some years in the UFL. He recorded a winning record of 0.613 with 200 wins and 126 losses in his regular season career in NFL and made it to postseason on couple of counts. In postseason, he won only five games while losing 13 games. He even won an AP Coach of the Year in 2004 during his time in San Diego Chargers.

Brian Schottenheimer helped his dad as a coaching assistant. While wrapping up the minicamp in June, he opened up about his father.

I know he’s proud. I miss him. I would tell him that I used all the life lessons that he taught me, not just about football, but about life and being a good man and a good husband and a good father, and that I think I’m doing OK for myself. But I know he’s proud; I miss him like crazy.

Brian Schottenheimer told reporters

His uncle, Kurt Schottenheimer, also had some coaching stints in the NFL. Kurt served as the defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator for the Chiefs and ended his career the same way as his brother, coaching the Virginia Destroyers.

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