A sense of change permeates the Dallas Cowboys organization. After five seasons with head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys are banking on a fresh perspective to propel the franchise beyond past limitations and back into serious contention.
McCarthy’s tenure included three playoff appearances, but a single postseason victory and a disappointing 7–10 record in 2024 spurred the team to seek new leadership.
Brian Schottenheimer steps in to fill McCarthy’s role. As with any head coaching transition, the team’s key players are crucial in embracing the new direction and maintaining unity within the locker room. Quarterback Dak Prescott appears to be on board. The three-time Pro Bowler recently voiced confidence in Schottenheimer’s leadership and approach since assuming full control after his January hiring.
Dak Prescott Praises Brian Schottenheimer’s Leadership
A healthy Prescott is essential for the Cowboys to overcome their challenges. The nine-year veteran played every game in his first four seasons but has missed 14 games over the subsequent three, coinciding with the team’s struggles for consistency.
The Athletic’s Jon Machota recently interviewed Prescott to gain his insights on the franchise’s current trajectory under Schottenheimer.
“Just excitement,” Prescott said. “As you’ve said, I’ve known Shotty. He’s been there. He’s been there the last couple of years, really three years with the first year being a consultant. It’s not any monumental conversations that are needed to happen but his direction and the way that he sees the offense going, the way that he sees this team going.
“I think it’s clear throughout the team with the guys and the men he’s hired as the coaches. The way that he’s got the whole building on the same page. Just excited for this chapter under him and the way he’s going to lead this team.”
Dak Prescott on working with new Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer pic.twitter.com/P6wgKIoX3Y
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 11, 2025
Schottenheimer served as Dallas’ offensive coordinator for the past two seasons. In his first season in that role, 2023, Prescott arguably had his best year as a professional, playing all 17 regular-season games, passing for 4,516 yards, and setting career highs in completion percentage (69.5%) and completions (410).
Prescott also led the NFL in touchdown passes (36). The Cowboys finished that season with a 12-5 record and won the NFC East. However, injuries limited Prescott to just eight games in 2024, during which the team struggled, winning only three contests with him at quarterback.
In his limited action, Prescott posted 1,978 passing yards and 11 touchdowns with eight interceptions. The Cowboys are hoping his performance next season looks more like it did in 2023 than 2024.