Brian Schottenheimer Takes Blame for Cowboys' Losing Season, 'That Starts with Me'

The Dallas Cowboys went 7-9-1 in Brian Schottenheimer's first season, and the head coach took responsibility for the disappointing result following Sunday's 34-17 loss to the New York Giants.

"Did not think that we would be 7-9-1," he told reporters. "I didn't think we wouldn't be in the playoffs. I expected to be in the playoffs and competing for a Super Bowl. We did not do that, that starts with me. I understand that. But I can promise you this, we're going to get to the bottom of it."

Schottenheimer wasn't exactly put in the best position to succeed when team owner Jerry Jones traded arguably Dallas' best player away to the Green Bay Packers before the season even started.

Without Micah Parsons leading the way as an impact pass-rusher, the Cowboys defense was an issue throughout the campaign.

It entered play Sunday 30th in the league in yards allowed per game and last in points allowed per game. Even with an offense that featured Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Javonte Williams and others, that type of production from the defense is nearly impossible to overcome.

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The unit was once again missing in action for much of Sunday's loss, as Tyrone Tracy Jr. ran for 103 yards while Jaxson Dart threw for two touchdowns and no interceptions.

The defense's overall effort this season could cost defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus his job, although Schottenheimer took responsibility during his press conference for the overall struggles.

Schottenheimer has an offensive background, so hiring the right defensive coordinator if Eberflus is fired will be critical to the Cowboys' chances of bouncing back in 2026 and beyond.