Jerry Jones defends his decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer as Dallas Cowboys head coach: “As big a risk you can take”

It took a while for Jerry Jones to announce the Cowboys next head coach but he has complete faith in newbie Brian Schottenheimer.

Jerry Jones defends his decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer as Dallas Cowboys head coach: “As big a risk you can take”

Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer (Image via IMAGO/X)

Jerry Jones’ rapport with the Dallas Cowboys reached an all-time low when he announced the appointment of Brian Schottenheimer as head coach, replacing Mike McCarthy. Waves of criticism poured in on social media in protest of the hiring.

Jones kept an eye on all the chatter. He knew hiring Schottenheimer was a big risk, considering he had no prior experience as a head coach. The veteran owner defended his decision, claiming it wasn’t made in haste.

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[Let me tell you] Without this thing being about me in any way, if you don’t think I can’t operate out of my comfort zone, you’re so wrong. It’s unbelievable. This is as big a risk you can take, as big a risk as you can take—no head-coaching experience.

Jerry Jones said

Jones has been acquainted with Schottenheimer for a long time. His father, Marty Schottenheimer coached in the NFL for three decades, boasting a record of 200-126-1 in 21 with Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington, and San Diego [Los Angeles Chargers].

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His [Schottenheimer’s] family, anybody in this room that doesn’t believe the apple doesn’t go far from the tree has missed it some place down the road, especially if there was an effort to make it that way, and there was an effort.

Jerry Jones said

The Cowboys hired the 51-year-old during Championship week after one by one their other targets found jobs elsewhere. Jones disagreed. He countered the idea by claiming he wanted to be thorough before appointing a new head coach.

Brian Schottenheimer is ready for the Dallas Cowboys challenge

Right after the Cowboys broke the news, FOX’s Colin Cowherd labeled it equivalent to the fall of a great institution.

We are watching the fall of a great American institution. He’s not even interviewing for other jobs. Nothing against him. Nice guy. Three jobs, five seasons. Never been a head coach; never really been a top candidate for a head coach, but [Cowboys owner Jerry Jones] likes him.

Colin Cowherd said
Jerry Jones defends his decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer as Dallas Cowboys head coach -A big a risk as you can take
Brian Schottenheimer (Image via ESPN)

Cowboys legend Michael Irvin was shell-shocked. He wanted Jones to consider bringing Deion Sanders to break the 30-year drought for a Super Bowl.

The longest drought by any NFC East team. 30 years. You bring in someone who’s already inside for head coach. You lose things there that you can’t grab back that I’m worried about.

Michael Irvin said

The writing was on the wall for Schottenheimer. He walked into hostile territory even though Arlington had been his base of operations for more than four years as part of the offensive setup. However, he realized this was the best time to take a leap of faith, unlike the previous occasions when he wasn’t ready.

I’ve had some opportunities when I was a much younger man, that I didn’t feel like I was ready, I’m ready now [and] I know what I want.

Brian Schottenheimer said via Associated Press

Schottenheimer will take charge of a Cowboys team that ended the 2024 season with a 7-10 record. He served as the offensive coordinator, but McCarthy often took over the offensive play-calling duties himself.

Despite the backlash, Schottenheimer received a vote of confidence from the Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who was present during his introductory speech on Monday. Prescott missed a chunk of the previous campaign due to injury and wants a fresh but strong start to 2025. A familiar face as the head coach might help the Cowboys to bounce back quickly.

Related: (Video) AJ Brown, Marshon Lattimore up physical tempo with redzone fight during NFC Championship game