Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer recently shared the details of a phone call from Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. During the conversation, Sirianni asked for permission to interview Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams for a position in Philadelphia. Schottenheimer denied the request immediately to keep his coaching staff together for the 2026 season.
Dec 21, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The interaction waspersonal because the two coaches had worked together previously with the Indianapolis Colts. Schottenheimer explained that Sirianni called him directly rather than following the standard formal league procedures. This direct approach allowed for a candid conversation between the two peers.
“Klayton’s the best. I love Klayton,” Schottenheimersaid during a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine, held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. “It was funny because when Nick called me and said, ‘Hey, I have a question to ask you. I want to send a letter for Klayton.’ I said, ‘Don’t bother, buddy, I will have to deny you on that one.'”
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer on declining the Philadelphia Eagles an opportunity to interview Dallas OC Klayton Adams for their offensive coordinator position pic.twitter.com/Z3x8ASIxCR
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 26, 2026
Sirianni attempted to argue that the Eagles job would offer more responsibility. In Philadelphia, Adams would have had the opportunity to call offensive plays. In Dallas, Schottenheimer retains the play-calling duties himself. Sirianni pointed this out during the call to make the job seem like a promotion.
Schottenheimer remained firm in his decision. “He said, ‘I’m not calling the plays.’ I said, ‘I’m gonna have to deny it.’ He was like, ‘Yeah, I would have done the same thing, but I had to ask.’ Klayton is a stud; his energy is amazing. Nick wasn’t wrong for trying,” Schottenheimer added.
NFL rules allow teams to block assistants from interviewing for lateral moves. Since Adams already holds the title of offensive coordinator in Dallas, the Eagles could not compel an interview without the Cowboys’ permission. Schottenheimer chose to exercise this right to maintain the continuity of his offense.
The Cowboys offense performed well during the 2025 season. Keeping Adams is a priority for Schottenheimer as the team prepares for another year. After the professional rejection, the two coaches moved on to personal topics.
They spent the rest of the phone call discussing their families. The Eagles eventually hired Sean Mannion from the Green Bay Packers to fill their vacancy. This move ensures the Cowboys keep their core coaching staff as they begin their 2026 campaign.
Brian Schottenheimer expects George Pickens to stay with Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Heshared a positive update about star receiver George Pickens. Pickens will soon be a free agent. Many fans worry he might leave the team.
Schottenheimer expects Pickens to stay in Dallas for a long time to come. He said that their relationship is still strong. The team will likely use a franchise tag to keep him for the 2026 season. This would pay Pickens about $28.8 million.
Pickens had a great year in 2025. He led the team with 1,429 receiving yards. The coach wants to give Pickens a bigger role next season. They hope to sign a long-term contract by July.