Brian Schottenheimer
Head Coach — Dallas Cowboys
More Dallas Cowboys Players
About Brian Schottenheimer
Brian Schottenheimer became the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys the way most people get promoted at a family business: someone above him got fired and the owner pointed at whoever was standing closest. Jerry Jones hired his offensive coordinator to be the head coach after firing Mike McCarthy, skipping the part where you interview other candidates who might actually want to throw the football. Schottenheimer is the son of legendary coach Marty Schottenheimer, which means conservative playcalling is literally in his blood. His offensive philosophy can be summarized as "run the ball, run the ball again, punt, repeat." He once called three consecutive run plays into a stacked box during a nationally televised game and showed zero remorse about it afterward.
The meme angle with Schottenheimer is the combination of nepotism vibes, predictable playcalling, and the fact that Jerry Jones chose him specifically because Jerry could control him. He's the first-time head coach who got the job not because of a bold vision but because he wouldn't argue with the owner at 6 AM. Cowboys fans watched every other team hire splashy offensive minds while Dallas promoted the guy whose signature play is HB Dive on second and seven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Brian Schottenheimer's hiring considered funny by NFL fans?
Because the Cowboys fired Mike McCarthy for not winning big enough, then replaced him with McCarthy's own offensive coordinator who ran McCarthy's offense. It was like returning a shirt to the store and buying the same shirt in a slightly different shade. The NFL coaching carousel had multiple big names available and Jerry Jones chose the guy already in the building who wouldn't push back on roster decisions.
What is Brian Schottenheimer known for as a playcaller?
Running the ball on second and long. Running the ball on third and medium. Running the ball when trailing by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. His father Marty Schottenheimer was famous for conservative coaching, and Brian inherited that gene completely. The phrase 'Schottenheimer special' among Cowboys fans refers to any play call that makes you check if your TV is buffering because you swear you just watched the same run play thirty seconds ago.
Last updated: April 2026