After the Cowboys parted ways with former head coach Mike McCarthy, Sanders was a name that was linked to the role, but he was never formally interviewed. Schottenheimer, who along with Robert Saleh and Kellen Moore, was the only other name on the short list of candidates and he was offered an interview.

Former Cowboys WR Michael Irvin did not hold back when unloading on his former team for their disappointing 2024 season.

Jones made the comfortable move that likely won't cost too much to replace Mike McCarthy as the Cowboys head coach

The curious part is that Brian has been an assistant coach since 1998, and while he had the tag of “Hot Assistant Coach” for a while, it faded. He’s served as an analyst, a quarterbacks coach, a tight ends coach, and an offensive coordinator since he started his career with the St. Louis Rams, in 1997.

Here comes the gossip that would have Jerry Jones already forfeiting the 2025 season, tanking so his Cowboys can select University of Texas QB Arch Manning in the 2026 NFL Draft.

That’s what happened on Friday night. In making perhaps the most uninspired head-coaching hire in team history (Dave Campo might have a case otherwise), Jerry knew to not pound on the front door but to slip through a basement window.

But not this time. No, Jerry Jones wanted to sneak the announcement of Brian Schottenheimer being named the franchise’s 10th head coach under the radar, leaking the word just before 9:45 pm eastern on a Friday night.

Adding a little levity to the situation, a “things could actually be worse” look at the Cowboys’ coaching search. | From @BenGrimaldi

The Cowboys' hire of Brian Schottenheimer as head coach will have plenty of ramifications throughout the NFL. Who were the big winners and losers?

Cowboys are hiring offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach, Jerrry Jones tells ESPN. “Brian Schottenheimer is known as a career assistant,” Jones said. “He ain’t Brian no more. He is now known as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.” pic.twitter.com/JtGoltP1mC

Connor Orr of SI.com believes Jerry Jones doesn’t care about the fans and says Dallas Cowboys nation should return the favor.