TOUCH DOWN FEW MINUTE AGO:Dallas Cowboys Star Brian Schottenheimer ,officially announced its departure, following NFL proposal as the head coach of New….see more

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has officially announced his resignation after accepting an unexpected head coaching offer from the newly rebranded New York Commanders—an expansion franchise set to debut in the 2026 NFL season.

Standing before an emotional press corps at The Star in Frisco, Schottenheimer delivered the stunning news just hours before the Cowboys were set to begin their pre-training camp walk-throughs.

“This was the hardest decision of my professional life,” Schottenheimer said. “I love this organization, this city, and the players in our locker room. But when the opportunity came to build something brand new, from the ground up, I knew it was time to take that leap.”

🧭 A Sudden But Symbolic Departure

Brian Schottenheimer, 51, was promoted to head coach of the Cowboys just six months ago, following Mike McCarthy’s dismissal after a disappointing 7–10 season. At the time, many saw Schottenheimer’s promotion from offensive coordinator as a move toward continuity—particularly for quarterback Dak Prescott, who had praised the coach’s hands-on style.

Now, that continuity is gone.

According to insiders, the offer from the New York Commanders was “massive”—reportedly including a five-year, $70 million deal, full control over roster construction, and a blank slate in one of the NFL’s most high-profile media markets.

The Commanders, formerly based in Washington, relocated to New York City earlier this year under a sweeping league expansion plan. Backed by a powerful ownership group including tech billionaire Marcus Vega and entertainment mogul Ava Denton, the franchise is aiming to create a modern, culturally dynamic football powerhouse.

“We needed a leader with vision, courage, and the mind to mold champions from the dirt,” said Vega in a press release. “Brian is that man.”

🏈 A Legacy in Transition

Brian Schottenheimer is a football lifer. The son of legendary NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer, Brian carved out his own career path as a highly respected offensive strategist. Prior to taking over in Dallas, he served as offensive coordinator for multiple NFL teams, including:

• New York Jets (2006–2011)

• St. Louis Rams (2012–2014)

• Seattle Seahawks (2018–2020)

• Jacksonville Jaguars (2021)

• Dallas Cowboys (2022–2024)

His first (and now short-lived) head coaching tenure began in January 2025, when Jerry Jones shocked critics by promoting him over other external candidates, including Deion Sanders and Dan Quinn.

“We believed Brian could be the next great Cowboys coach,” Jerry Jones said in a brief statement. “His departure is unexpected, but we respect his decision and wish him well.”

🔍 Why the Sudden Exit?

NFL analysts are split on what prompted the sudden move. Some cite internal frustration over limited roster control under Jerry Jones. Others point to the once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a franchise from scratch in a megacity like New York.

NFL insider Jay Glazer reported that Schottenheimer had been in secret negotiations with the Commanders’ ownership group for over three weeks. Sources say Schottenheimer was drawn to the promise of full operational control, a level of influence few coaches enjoy in the league today.

“It wasn’t about money,” a source close to the coach revealed. “It was about building a legacy—his way.”

💥 Fallout in Dallas

Schottenheimer’s departure leaves the Cowboys in a precarious position just weeks before the season begins. The team must now scramble to name an interim head coach or quickly sign a replacement. Possible candidates include:

• Dan Quinn, former DC and current free agent

• Kellen Moore, returning after his Chargers stint

• Mike Zimmer, longtime Vikings head coach and defensive consultant

• Eric Bieniemy, still without a HC position despite years of interviews

The Cowboys, already under scrutiny for a string of underwhelming seasons, now face another leadership crisis. With Dak Prescott in the final year of his contract, Micah Parsons looking for an extension, and fans growing restless, the franchise must act swiftly.

🧠 What Awaits in New York?

The Commanders are set to debut in the 2026 NFL season and will play their home games in a state-of-the-art, retractable-roof stadium currently under construction in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard.

The team’s roster is currently being assembled through:

• NFL supplemental draft

• International player pathways

• Veteran signings and free agency 2025–2026

Schottenheimer will have unprecedented freedom to design the team from the ground up—scouting staff, coaching team, playbook, and even the locker room culture.

“We want to win fast,” Schottenheimer said. “But more importantly, we want to build the kind of organization players dream of joining.”