It was a disappointing season for the Dallas Cowboys as they failed to win at least 12 games for the first time since 2020. While the injury to quarterback Dak Prescott derailed their plans, it also led to a head coaching change, with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer taking over after the team couldn’t come to terms with an extension for Mike McCarthy.
Ahead of free agency and the NFL Draft, with a ton of questions regarding contract extensions and the identity of the team moving forward, Schottenheimer took to the podium at the NFL Scouting Combine. Answering media questions, he was candid about his relationship with Prescott.
Brian Schottenheimer and His Bond With Dak Prescott
Since being hired as offensive coordinator in 2023, Schottenheimer has been a revelation for Prescott. In his first season in the gig, he led Prescott to the best season of his career, which landed him in MVP conversations.
In 2023, Prescott tallied 4,516 passing yards, the second-best mark of his career, while adding 36 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. That production has translated into a genuine camaraderie between the two.
“He and I love one another. We care about one other, just like I do all the guys — CeeDee [Lamb] — and excited to get to know more of the defensive guys,” Schottenheimer said. “I think I’ve got a great relationship with a bunch of the guys on defense as well.”
Brian Schottenheimer on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott pic.twitter.com/MXlUyq3lku
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 27, 2025
However, this is Schottenheimer’s first time being an NFL head coach, so the pressure has to be through the roof, especially for a franchise as prestigious and as glory-bereft as the Cowboys have been. The former coordinator didn’t let it show during the interview.
“Most of my day is spent walking the halls. I’ve been getting a feel for the players, seeing Tyler Guyton down in the weight room, bumping into Dono [Donovan Wilson] in the training room the other day. That’s part of changing the culture, that’s part of letting these guys get to know me on a deeper level.”
Still, even with budding relationships with the rest of his guys, his chemistry with his quarterback remains special. With a thousand-watt smile on his face, Schottenheimer recalled a conversation he had with Prescott.
“Dak and I talk about being dads and fatherhood, and there’s been a little bit of just fun talk about scheme. But this time of the year, we’re not focused on that. This time of year we focus on other things — his rehab being one of ’em. He’s kicking ass, he’s doing great.”
It seems clear that the new head coach in Dallas believes he can turn the franchise’s fortunes around. With the 12th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team has a chance to add a true game-changer to the roster.
That, alongside a new mindset and philosophy that Schottenheimer is proposing, could be the start of something special for America’s Team. With Prescott healthy and comfortable with the coaching staff, the Cowboys have plenty of reasons for optimism in 2025.