Schottenheimer takes lead in Cowboys’ search for head coach, Pete Carroll bows out; more

FRISCO, TX — The whirlwind week ends without the Dallas Cowboys having decided who the 10th head coach in franchise history will be, or at least that hasn’t been made as of press time. This item. That means the waiting game continues in North Texas, but that doesn’t mean things have been exactly quiet at team headquarters.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Mike McCarthy’s departure on January 14 was greeted by the launch of a network including an informal chat with Deion Sanders and formal interviews with Leslie Frazier, Robert Saleh and former Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore – who is currently preparing to helping lead the Philadelphia Eagles against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game.

A dark horse then emerged from the forest, namely Dallas’ latest offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, who interviewed in person for the job on Tuesday.

And then again on Wednesday.

At this point, Schottenheimer is the only candidate, known or unknown, to have landed two formal interviews with a chance to become McCarthy’s successor, having spent the last two seasons as one of McCarthy’s top advisors (and of Dak Prescott) before games on a weekly basis.

But while that was happening, legendary head coach Pete Carroll emerged as a darker horse with a very good chance of pushing Schottenheimer — Carroll’s former offensive coordinator in Seattle for the Seahawks — off the potential throne as a result. conversations with owner and general manager Jerry. Jones this week.

Ultimately, it was the Las Vegas Raiders who lured Carroll away from the Cowboys with a multi-year deal to return to the sidelines for their organization, and no one else’s.

And while all of this is being uncovered, special teams coordinator John “Bones” Fassel has opted to leave for the Tennessee Titans, and wide receivers coach Robert Prince has reportedly had his first interview, so that the Miami Dolphins are looking to talk to him about their vacancy at that position.

All in all, given Schottenheimer’s multiple interviews, it appears that with Carroll removed from the process and Moore’s season still underway (the same must be said for another potential candidate in Joe Brady), signs point to the son of all time. great trainer Marty Schottenheimer as having regained the lead.

We will soon know if he crosses the finish line.