Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer Takes Subtle Shot at Nick Sirianni

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Head coach Brian Schottenheimer (R) of the Dallas Cowboys congratulates head coach Nick Sirianni (L) of the Philadelphia Eagles after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 04, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Cowboys and Eagles rivalry heated up again this week, and this time it started at the NFL Combine.According to DallasCowboys.com’s Patrik Walker, Brian Schottenheimer revealed that Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni personally told him he planned to submit a request to interview Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams earlier this offseason.Schottenheimer did not mince words about how that conversation went:“Nick, don’t even bother. It’s not gonna happen,” Schottenheimer said.

Brian Schottenheimer says Eagles’ HC Nick Sirianni told him directly he planed on submitting a request to interview #Cowboys OC Klayton Adams.

Schotty’s reply: “Nick, don’t even bother. It’s not gonna happen.”

The blunt response confirmed what was already reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and others that Dallas denied Philadelphia’s request.When Schottenheimer explained it himself on Thursday, it added a little extra juice to the situation.Philadelphia ultimately hired Sean Mannion as its new offensive coordinator after moving on from Kevin Patullo.Before that decision, Adams was clearly someone the Eagles valued, especially given Sirianni’s prior working relationship with him in Indianapolis.But Schottenheimer was quick to make it clear that Dallas had no intention of letting a division rival make a lateral move for one of its top assistants.Cowboys Block Eagles’ Lateral Move for Klayton AdamsUnder NFL rules, teams cannot block interviews that constitute a promotion.However, in this case, Adams already holds the title of offensive coordinator in Dallas.Even though Schottenheimer serves as the primary play caller, adding play calling duties elsewhere does not automatically qualify as a promotion in the league’s eyes. That technicality gave Dallas the leverage to say no.Adams was hired as part of Schottenheimer’s staff ahead of the 2025 season and quickly became a key figure in shaping the Cowboys offense. He brings 19 years of coaching experience across the college and NFL levels. He has also built a reputation for designing strong run game schemes.Before arriving in Dallas, Adams helped engineer one of the league’s most productive rushing attacks in Arizona. Over two seasons with the Cardinals, the team ranked near the top of the league in rushing yards per game and yards per carry.In 2025, the Cowboys finished second in total offense and second in passing yards. Dallas also ranked top ten in rushing and scoring.For Schottenheimer, keeping that staff continuity was non-negotiable.Eagles Turn to Sean Mannion InsteadWith the door shut on Adams, the Eagles pivoted to Mannion, a fast-rising assistant from Green Bay.Mannion retired from playing in early 2024 and does not yet have play calling experience at the NFL level.

The Eagles have made it clear they are confident in their decision to hire Sean Mannion as offensive coordinator for the 2026 season. From Nick Sirianni to Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts and Howie Roseman, the organization has publicly expressed excitement about Mannion’s vision and the fresh direction he brings to the offense.

Schottenheimer’s response may have sounded sharp, but from Dallas’ perspective it was simple business.

Letting a key offensive mind walk to a direct NFC East rival without a promotion would have been difficult to justify.

In a rivalry where every edge matters, even a subtle attempt to poach a key coach carries weight. Schottenheimer and the Cowboys made sure the Eagles knew they had no chance.

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