NFL Exec: Cowboys Will 'Be in the Mix' Regardless of HC Because of Dak Prescott

The hiring of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to the position of head coach has been the cause of great angst in Dallas, as fans lamented another familiar hire from Jerry Jones at a time when the organization seems to be in need of significant change.

So long as the Cowboys have Dak Prescott at quarterback, however, the head coach should look at least somewhat good.

"With all the [Troy] Aikmans and the [Tony] Romos and the Daks, someone is falling into a Tier 2 quarterback or higher every time," an NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando. "You are going to be in the mix whether you hire Jason Garrett, Mike McCarthy or really anyone."

Since 1995, the Cowboys haven't won a Super Bowl or even reached the NFC Championship Game. And since Barry Switzer's tenure ended in 1997, the Cowboys have cycled through Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Bill Parcells, Wade Phillips, Garrett, McCarthy and now Schottenheimer at head coach.

In the post-Switzer era, the Cowboys have reached the playoffs 12 times, though they've won just four postseason contests. They've been in the mix, in other words, but have never been able to get over the hump. At some point, that pattern would suggest that the issue has been rooted in organizational and coaching failures.

And that's why Schottenheimer's business-as-usual hiring has been so wildly unpopular in Dallas. There remains the feeling that until Jones recognizes the need for change, the Cowboys will continue being the sort of team that has the talent to reach the postseason but flames out once it gets there.