As the 2025 season approaches, speculation is building around the ceiling and floor for the Dallas Cowboys under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Following a disappointing 2024 campaign that ended without a playoff appearance, the Cowboys and former head coach Mike McCarthy mutually agreed not to extend his contract, ending his five-year tenure in Dallas. During McCarthy’s time with the team, Schottenheimer - a protege of his - was initially brought on as a coaching consultant. Just a year later, he was promoted to offensive coordinator after Kellen Moore departed for a position with the Los Angeles Chargers.
This offseason, when the Cowboys began their search for a new head coach, they didn’t have to look far. Indeed, owner Jerry Jones was criticized by CowboysCountry.com for basically extending his search no farther than the break room at The Star.
The organization promoted from within, naming Schottenheimer as the next leader of "America’s Team'' and signing him to a four-year deal.
Many critics have predicted a modest to underwhelming season for Dallas in Schottenheimer’s first year at the helm. Others have projected a successful first campaign. And why?
Schottenheimer is the son of a coach in Marty Schottenheimer; he was therefore born to this. He's got almost 30 years in the profession. He's got credentials from his time as the coordinator in Seattle and under his leadership as coordinator in Dallas, the Cowboys led the league in scoring in 2023, with Dak winning NFL MVP.
The issue Cowboys fans are all wondering about - in their own heads and hearts - is where the bar of expectations should be.
Last year Dallas was 7-10. Is better than that enough? Is a playoff berth enough? Postseason wins? True Super Bowl contention?
Generally, the Cowboys are often loaded with talent. Star players like Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and offseason addition George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers give the team a strong core.
We say that if the Cowboys can stay healthy in 2025, great things are definitely possible. ... but we're not sure just what "great'' means around here just yet.
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