Brian Schottenheimer’s Dallas Cowboys dominated a beat-up Philadelphia Eagles team last week, leading many fans to believe the Cowboys were back. However, a disastrous loss to Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew on Sunday set the franchise back to square one. The losses have begun to pile up, and they may force a change.
At least, that is what Dan Orlovsky argued in a “First Take” video clip posted on X on Monday. He didn’t rule out Brian Schottenheimer getting the axe, although he believed a coordinator could be fired.
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“At some point, you have to look at Dallas this year, this team, and sit there and say a change has to be made,” Orlovsky said. “Whether it’s at coordinator, whether it’s playcaller, whether it’s at head coach. Jerry Jones is making that decision, but at 3-5, a change has to be made.”
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Jones was visibly frustrated multiple times on broadcasts this season, proving that he isn’t thrilled with the state of the organization. In many ways, Dallas finds itself in a similar weekly struggle in 2026 as it was last season, with an explosive offense but a struggling defense. At this point, whatever plan Jones puts together, more signs are pointing to big changes in the future.
Exploring potential Brian Schottenheimer replacements if Jerry Jones cuts ties
If the Dallas Cowboys part ways with Brian Schottenheimer, a new coach will be on the sideline in 2027. While Jerry Jones will have plenty of time to conduct a full search and dig deep, we might already have some hints about what the coaching job market might look like after the season.
Many believe Mike Tomlin is only taking a one-year break from coaching and will be back on the sideline with a new team in 2027. Tomlin was replaced by Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh, which makes Dallas a logical fit for Tomlin, considering Pittsburgh went with McCarthy this season. If Jones and the Steelers both liked what they saw in McCarthy, they might both like what they see in Tomlin.
Dallas’ defense has been stuck near the bottom of the league since 2024, so Jones might want to get drastic with fixing the unit. As such, he might want to break the pattern of hiring offensive-minded coaches like McCarthy and Schottenheimer and go with someone like DeMeco Ryans.
Things have not gone according to plan with the 2-5 Texans, which could lead to a house clearing. If Ryans becomes available, his defense and playoff experience could be a fit for Jones.
For years, pundits have called for Nick Sirianni’s job. Without Jalen Hurts, the rest of the season could be the clearest indication of how well Sirianni can perform on his own. Thus far, most would agree it has been a disaster, which could lead to Sirianni becoming available.
After years of struggling to beat him and watching him coach in Super Bowls, Jones would have reason to want him on the Cowboys.
Edited by Ian Van Roy
