"I took it personal": Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer hints at Mike McCarthy’s move that pissed him off 

Brian Schottenheimer didn’t hold back when discussing how he once struggled with head coaches observing his coordinator meetings. The Dallas Cowboys first-year coach said that such moments used to feel intrusive. Now that he’s on the other side of the equation, he's handling it differently with Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.

Schottenheimer, who led Dallas’ offense from 2020 through 2024, took over after Mike McCarthy’s dismissal in January. McCarthy’s tenure produced three playoff appearances but no NFC championship berths, leading to a leadership shake-up. The Cowboys handed the reins to Schottenheimer.

The Athletic's Jon Machota shared the coach’s remarks on X after his Wednesday session with reporters. Dallas has a 3-4-1 record and the NFL’s worst defense.

"I give (Matt Eberflus) a ton of credit," Schottenheimer said. "Having been a coordinator, having had head coaches come sit in my meetings and stuff, you don't like it. I took it personal. 'Why are you in my meeting?' Flus has not been like that at all."

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Schottenheimer added that he’s been spending more time with the defense lately, not to interfere, but to lend support.

Brian Schottenheimer vows changes after defense collapses in Denver

NFL: Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys - Source: Imagn

Dallas’ 44-24 loss to Denver last Sunday revealed flaws in its structure: mental errors, blown coverages and lack of physicality. Bo Nix and the Broncos shredded the Cowboys for 268 first-half yards and four touchdowns.

After the defeat, Brian Schottenheimer addressed the media from Frisco, promising tangible adjustments ahead. He noted that significant changes, both in personnel and scheme, would come following the upcoming bye week. Dallas will host the Arizona Cardinals on Monday before entering the reset period

"I just say that because we've got Arizona before the bye and, really, bigger changes to our style will happen over the bye week," Schottenheimer told reporters on Wednesday. "That's when we get a chance to say, 'OK, now we're looking back at nine games. What were those issues and did we get them corrected?' No? Well, now we need to do this and we need to do that."

The coach hinted at revisiting rotations and playing time across several positions. Statistically, the Cowboys remains elite on offense, but those numbers ring hollow with a losing record.

Dak Prescott is having an efficient campaign, completing 70.3% of his passes for 2,096 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez