The Dallas Cowboys' decision to appoint Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach has ignited a firestorm of criticism from fans. Jerry Jones, the team's owner, announced the move on Friday, stating, "Brian Schottenheimer is no longer just an assistant. He is now the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys." This declaration, however, was met with widespread disbelief and disappointment.

Social media platforms became a battleground for disgruntled Cowboys fans, many of whom questioned the team's decision-making process. One fan compared the hiring to the team's decision to sign Ezekiel Elliott instead of pursuing Derrick Henry, suggesting a pattern of questionable choices. The fan base's frustration stems from the Cowboys' unconventional approach to finding a new head coach this offseason.

The initial dilemma revolved around the future of Mike McCarthy, whose contract was expiring after a 7-10 season. Despite public support from players like Dak Prescott, the Cowboys chose to part ways with McCarthy, putting themselves behind other teams in the search for a replacement. The subsequent list of candidates raised further eyebrows, including Robert Saleh, who was fired mid-season by the Jets and ultimately returned to his previous role with the 49ers. Pete Carroll, another candidate, opted for the Raiders' head coaching position. While Kellen Moore and Leslie Frazier were also interviewed, the absence of highly sought-after candidates fueled fan discontent.

Fox Sports analyst David Helman criticized the Cowboys' process, highlighting the lack of clarity in their decision-making. He questioned the choice of Schottenheimer, who hadn't generated interest from other teams, lacked head coaching experience, and had a mixed track record as an offensive coordinator. Some fans drew parallels between Schottenheimer and Jason Garrett, suggesting a preference for internal hires that maintain the Jones family's control.

Schottenheimer joined the Cowboys in 2022 as a coaching analyst before becoming offensive coordinator in 2023. His first year in the role coincided with Prescott's best season, leading the Cowboys to the NFC East title before a disappointing Wild Card Round exit. The son of former NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer, Brian has nearly three decades of coaching experience with the Jets, Rams, and Seahawks, serving as offensive coordinator for each team.