Updated
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer refused to hide from the pressure surrounding the team and accepted part of the responsibility for Dallas’ disappointing start to the season. Sitting at 2-4, the coach acknowledged that the Cowboys have earned much of the criticism coming their way after a frustrating opening stretch.
Connor Wood looks like a familiar American influencer until he grabs pom-poms with the Cowboys cheerleaders
Schottenheimer admits Cowboys deserve criticism
Schottenheimer spoke with reporters Thursday as Dallas prepares for a crucial Monday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. His comments came after back-to-back losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers, results that have increased the pressure on both the team and coaching staff.
“I think it comes with the territory. I think some of it is deserved. We’ve got to play better. I’ve got to coach better. When you grow up in a family where your dad was a head coach for over 20 years, you understand that this is part of the job description. No one likes it. I block out most of it. Some of it gets to me because doing this job and having to speak to you guys is part of it. But at the same time, I’ve got strong shoulders. I know what kind of coach I am. I know what this team is capable of, and that’s what I focus on,” Schottenheimer said.
The Cowboys coach also discussed the influence of his father, Marty Schottenheimer, who spent 21 seasons as an NFL head coach with the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, and San Diego Chargers.
Brian explained that growing up in that environment taught him an important lesson: criticism and scrutiny are unavoidable parts of leading a team at the highest level.
The pressure on Schottenheimer continues to grow. In his first 23 games as Dallas’ head coach, he has posted a 9-13-1 record, a mark that highlights the challenges surrounding the franchise’s current direction.
After the loss to the Packers, Schottenheimer defended his players’ effort and fight but admitted that mistakes have been the biggest issue. He specifically pointed to the five turnovers committed over the last two games, a costly trend that has directly impacted the Cowboys’ results.
Dak Prescott looks back after one word from a stadium worker hits a nerve following Cowboys loss
For Schottenheimer, the solution must come from within. The coach acknowledged that the players need to perform better, but he also accepted that he must improve his own coaching decisions from the sideline.
He also explained that some of the outside criticism inevitably reaches him because his role requires constant interaction with the media and accountability for the team’s performance.
Cowboys look to turn things around against Eagles
At 53 years old, Schottenheimer admitted that nobody enjoys going through a difficult stretch like this, but said he tries to block out most of the outside noise. He remains confident in his ability and believes the Cowboys still have the talent to accomplish their goals this season.
Dallas entered the 2026 campaign after back-to-back seasons with only seven wins, hoping to take the next step and establish itself as a legitimate contender in the NFC East. Instead, the early results have created more questions than answers.
The Cowboys will visit the Philadelphia Eagles, who also sit at 2-4, to close out Week 7 of the NFL season in Monday Night Football next Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT) at Lincoln Financial Field.
The goal for Schottenheimer and Dallas will be avoiding their second three-game losing streak under his leadership while proving they still have what it takes to compete in the division.