The Dallas Cowboys have had a tumultuous start to the offseason, even by the standards of America’s Team. After injuries derailed their 2024 season, they couldn’t agree to an extension with head coach Mike McCarthy. Instead, they were forced to ride the coaching carousel late, missing out on Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, and other high-profile candidates.
Ultimately, the decision was made to promote Brian Schottenheimer from offensive coordinator to head coach. But before Schottenheimer took the job, a coaching legend was connected to Dallas, Pete Carroll. While he was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders, Carroll’s discussion with the Cowboys was never about the job itself. Stephen Jones explained what the fuss was all about.
Stephen Jones Reveals Reason for Pete Carroll Meeting With Dallas Cowboys
At Schottenheimer’s introductory press conference, several executives were taking questions from the media. Executive Vice President Stephen Jones joined the podium and discussed the influence of Carroll on the entire proceedings of the offseason.
“Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones explained after the news conference yesterday that Jerry Jones called Pete Carroll primarily to discuss his insights on Brian Schottenheimer,” Ed Werder reported. “Stephen acknowledged they did ask Carroll his vision for the team if he were hired but said that was it.”
From the sounds of it, the decision to include Carroll in the discussion came in the later stages of the process. Early on, it looked like a safe bet that Colorado coach Deion Sanders would be returning to the Cowboys.
#Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones explained after the news conference yesterday that Jerry Jones called Pete Carroll primarily to discuss his insights on Brian Schottenheimer.
Stephen acknowledged they did ask Carroll his vision for the team if he were hired but said that was it. pic.twitter.com/bZmdkVNP0F— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) January 28, 2025
Multiple reports of interest from both sides made the rounds. His son Shedeur Sanders, who is likely to go in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, was also on board with the idea of his father joining the league alongside him.
Nevertheless, it didn’t come to fruition and Schottenheimer stepped into his promotion. Dallas, missing quarterback Dak Prescott for half the season, finished 23rd by PFN’s Offense+ metric. He’s been the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator since 2023 when Prescott had an elite season.
Previously, he was the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks as well when Russell Wilson had some of the best individual seasons of his career, including back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons and a career-high 40 passing touchdowns in 2020.
Dallas will be hoping Schottenheimer can find similar success as a head coach and allow Prescott, who signed as the highest-paid player in NFL history before the 2024 season began, to flourish like a true MVP candidate.