Ever since Brian Schottenheimer's introductory press conference when he was named the Dallas Cowboys' head coach, we have heard how he wants to change the culture within the franchise.
It is everyone pulling in the same direction, but for Schotty, it is more than just football; he wants to get to know each player personally and develop that deep connection with everyone in the franchise.
And it didn't take long for Schottenheimer's new approach to hit the right spot. When defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa signed his new contract, he was out for dinner, and Schottenheimer found out which restaurant he was at and sent a bottle of champagne to his table.
The Cowboys coach was asked at the annual league meeting why he did it.
"Because it's what matters," Schottenheimer said. "Let's be honest, there's going to be some [expletive] days, this is a National Football League. If you preach I love you, I care about you, then why wouldn't you take steps to get to know people? I want them to know me, my family because I think that's important. So a little step like me finding Osa to do the little thing like that to me is just common sense."
That level of "love" could power Schottenheimer's reign as head coach in Dallas, but this time of year isn't all about football; it's about developing a baseline relationship to build on during OTAs and training camp.
"Half of my day is spent reaching out to our players and trying to talk to them on the phone to just check in about life," he added. "I don't want to talk to these guys right now about football.
"We want to spend time getting to know one another and building this culture, which is going to be about competing every day to make these guys the best version of themselves, not just as a football player, as a husband, as a father. So, it is important to me."
Related: Cowboys Coach Offers Micah Parsons 'Wreak Havoc' Update
With a key emphasis on building quality relationships with his players, Schottenheimer's desire to bring everyone together doesn't stop at the players.
According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Schottenheimer brought Whataburger breakfast for every employee in the entire building and got to know people in other areas of accounting and marketing.
Those small things go a long way in changing the culture for a franchise that has deep-rooted issues in culture and has had for years.
But Schottenheimer is doing his best to change it.
Why? Because it's what matters to him.
Related: Cowboys Hint At Major Roster Move Coming To Fix 'Explosive' Problem
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 7:30 AM.