Coaching Philosophy

[Kwyn]

Hear me out for a bit....in my experience, a HC is ultimately responsible for the team's performance....win or lose. So, when I say that Schotty needs to have his pulse on every play and every situation, some either disagree or misunderstand me. Let me explain....as a HC, you are responsible for the flow of the game....what I mean by this is, if our defense is coming off the field, tired, beaten, confused, they need time to rest and adjust....meet with the DC and position coaches. In the meantime, an OC isn't worried about that...what's to stop them from going out, three straight incomplete passes, punt and put the defense right back on the field? The HC is! An OC is on the 1 yard line and wants to dropback and throw a deep pass, risking a safety, what's to stop him from doing that? The HC is! A DC, wants to blow a TO to talk to his players because the OC went three and out....what's to stop him from blowing a TO that we made need later? The HC! Clock management, who is in charge of that, because the coordinators are to busy calling the game? The HC! Substitution, tired or banged up player needs to come out....who is in charge of that? The HC! Telling the ST coordinator, squib kick it and take a few seconds off the clock, so they don't get good field position and have time for a pass, TO and FG to win the game? The HC is! Who tells the QB, if he's open in the corner of the end zone, throw it to him for the win, if he's covered like a blanket, throw it away! The HC is! Some see it as micromanaging, it is...but, if done correctly and without undermining his staff in front of his players, it's a must...at least in my eyes. It's also a lot of fun! Even the 90 hour work weeks.
Now, that said, who thinks Schotty is doing all of these things, or who thinks he should?

Go Cowboys!

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I'm glad you brought this up because it feels like there's a total lack of a cohesive game plan right now. It honestly looks like the coordinators are just doing whatever they want, and nobody is stepping up to rein them in or take control of the game flow.
When the defense is totally confused or gassed, and the offense immediately goes out and throws three straight incompletions to stop the clock, that’s a massive failure at the top. The coordinators are always going to have tunnel vision because they're trapped in their own playbooks. That's why the HC exists—to look at the bigger picture and manage the actual game.
If the HC isn't overriding a bad situational call, or forcing the offense to help out a struggling defense, then what is he actually doing on the sideline? It’s not undermining your staff to tell them, "Hey, we're changing the approach for this drive because the game is getting away from us." It's literally the job description. You're completely right; he needs to have his pulse on every single play, because right now it looks like nobody is steering the ship.

Are you okay, man? Not used to serious posts from you.

But really, what you guys talk about is true with most teams, but this isn't most teams. We don't actually know what the head coach can and can't control here.

One thing we do know is that the head coach is not the one who runs this team. And with this franchise, the HC is more like the OC who happens to hold press conferences and make practice schedules... But we're all pretty sure doesn't get to work the players as hard as he wants in camp and can't play them in preseason no matter how much he'd like to.

This year's defense is more on Schotty because he at least had serious input unlike last year, but because the Jones brain trust have no idea what a good coach is, they had to take the word of a guy who likely isn't even a good coach himself.

What a mess, but that's no surprise here.

 

[Whirlwin]

Hear me out for a bit....in my experience, a HC is ultimately responsible for the team's performance....win or lose. So, when I say that Schotty needs to have his pulse on every play and every situation, some either disagree or misunderstand me. Let me explain....as a HC, you are responsible for the flow of the game....what I mean by this is, if our defense is coming off the field, tired, beaten, confused, they need time to rest and adjust....meet with the DC and position coaches. In the meantime, an OC isn't worried about that...what's to stop them from going out, three straight incomplete passes, punt and put the defense right back on the field? The HC is! An OC is on the 1 yard line and wants to dropback and throw a deep pass, risking a safety, what's to stop him from doing that? The HC is! A DC, wants to blow a TO to talk to his players because the OC went three and out....what's to stop him from blowing a TO that we made need later? The HC! Clock management, who is in charge of that, because the coordinators are to busy calling the game? The HC! Substitution, tired or banged up player needs to come out....who is in charge of that? The HC! Telling the ST coordinator, squib kick it and take a few seconds off the clock, so they don't get good field position and have time for a pass, TO and FG to win the game? The HC is! Who tells the QB, if he's open in the corner of the end zone, throw it to him for the win, if he's covered like a blanket, throw it away! The HC is! Some see it as micromanaging, it is...but, if done correctly and without undermining his staff in front of his players, it's a must...at least in my eyes. It's also a lot of fun! Even the 90 hour work weeks.
Now, that said, who thinks Schotty is doing all of these things, or who thinks he should?

Go Cowboys!

Excellent explanation,, but I don’t understand how people don’t know this without mentioning it
And they’re the ones who have the most to say, usually
Some people watch the game, some people understand the game they’re watching,
Good job buddy

 

[Captain-Crash]

Are you okay, man? Not used to serious posts from you.

But really, what you guys talk about is true with most teams, but this isn't most teams. We don't actually know what the head coach can and can't control here.

One thing we do know is that the head coach is not the one who runs this team. And with this franchise, the HC is more like the OC who happens to hold press conferences and make practice schedules... But we're all pretty sure doesn't get to work the players as hard as he wants in camp and can't play them in preseason no matter how much he'd like to.

This year's defense is more on Schotty because he at least had serious input unlike last year, but because the Jones brain trust have no idea what a good coach is, they had to take the word of a guy who likely isn't even a good coach himself.

What a mess, but that's no surprise here.

Ranch brought up a good point, and it's very valid. What we see every week is due to all 3 guys doing what they want and nobody observing the game and taking charge over it.
The coordinators are stuck in their own bubbles, and it completely blows up our game flow. When the defense is getting gassed, the offense immediately goes out and throws three straight deep shots to stop the clock, forcing a tired unit right back onto the field. That is a massive failure from the top. Schotty gets so buried in his play sheet worrying about the next offensive call that he completely loses sight of the actual time of possession and how it's destroying the rest of the team.

The fact that the defense had to hold a players-only meeting just to go "bullet point by bullet point" to figure out their basic standards tells you everything you need to know. When the players have to step up and coach themselves behind closed doors, it’s a massive red flag that management isn't providing the guidance they need. A head coach can't just stand there spectating and letting everyone run independent kingdoms. He needs to have his pulse on the macro game flow, rein these guys in, and actually steer the ship.

And yes, I'm alright. I think Ranching needs to post more insight posts. Posts like his are very intuitive and thought-provoking. Thanks, Ranch.

 

[phildadon86]

This team has no identity.

It hasnt for years

No HC can put their fingerprints on this team because of the GM and Owner.

Coach you have NEVER (correct me if im wrong) had to deal with for example a teacher, or administrator that undermines your authority.

Schotty stood no chance here, just like MM didnt and countless coaches before them.

Schotty wasnt even a good OC, so to get back to your original point, thinking he can manage an offense and the duties of a HC was insane to begin with.

 

[Ranching]

Ranch brought up a good point, and it's very valid. What we see every week is due to all 3 guys doing what they want and nobody observing the game and taking charge over it.
The coordinators are stuck in their own bubbles, and it completely blows up our game flow. When the defense is getting gassed, the offense immediately goes out and throws three straight deep shots to stop the clock, forcing a tired unit right back onto the field. That is a massive failure from the top. Schotty gets so buried in his play sheet worrying about the next offensive call that he completely loses sight of the actual time of possession and how it's destroying the rest of the team.

The fact that the defense had to hold a players-only meeting just to go "bullet point by bullet point" to figure out their basic standards tells you everything you need to know. When the players have to step up and coach themselves behind closed doors, it’s a massive red flag that management isn't providing the guidance they need. A head coach can't just stand there spectating and letting everyone run independent kingdoms. He needs to have his pulse on the macro game flow, rein these guys in, and actually steer the ship.

And yes, I'm alright. I think Ranching needs to post more insight posts. Posts like his are very intuitive and thought-provoking. Thanks, Ranch.

I appreciate it, brother....my first season as HC, I inherited a staff that wanted me to fail, because I was young and an outsider. I didn't trust them, so I called offense, defense and special teams....we went 500. I fired 5 of them after the season and brought in a bunch of young coaches. I let them call the game, with me on the headset....i started overriding about 30% of the game, by mid season, maybe only 2 or 3 plays a game.....we went 12-1, the next year we were ranked 7th in the state by the AP......it's not rocket science, it's harder!!! Lol

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Hear me out for a bit....in my experience, a HC is ultimately responsible for the team's performance....win or lose. So, when I say that Schotty needs to have his pulse on every play and every situation, some either disagree or misunderstand me. Let me explain....as a HC, you are responsible for the flow of the game....what I mean by this is, if our defense is coming off the field, tired, beaten, confused, they need time to rest and adjust....meet with the DC and position coaches. In the meantime, an OC isn't worried about that...what's to stop them from going out, three straight incomplete passes, punt and put the defense right back on the field? The HC is! An OC is on the 1 yard line and wants to dropback and throw a deep pass, risking a safety, what's to stop him from doing that? The HC is! A DC, wants to blow a TO to talk to his players because the OC went three and out....what's to stop him from blowing a TO that we made need later? The HC! Clock management, who is in charge of that, because the coordinators are to busy calling the game? The HC! Substitution, tired or banged up player needs to come out....who is in charge of that? The HC! Telling the ST coordinator, squib kick it and take a few seconds off the clock, so they don't get good field position and have time for a pass, TO and FG to win the game? The HC is! Who tells the QB, if he's open in the corner of the end zone, throw it to him for the win, if he's covered like a blanket, throw it away! The HC is! Some see it as micromanaging, it is...but, if done correctly and without undermining his staff in front of his players, it's a must...at least in my eyes. It's also a lot of fun! Even the 90 hour work weeks.
Now, that said, who thinks Schotty is doing all of these things, or who thinks he should?

Go Cowboys!

Perfectly said.

I go back to the call against ravens, many argued Dak should have just done it himself...and made a different call and throw it to pickens....

But to me a HC is like CEO of the company. If every VP started to do their own thing, there will be chaos, lack of cohesiveness, and not everyone on same page pulling same direction.
.you just described that, the HC has overall view. Feel and he needs to manage the little intricacies to ensure the whole team is playing well as a group.

And please next time PARAGRAPH is your best friend

 

[visionary]

Hear me out for a bit....in my experience, a HC is ultimately responsible for the team's performance....win or lose. So, when I say that Schotty needs to have his pulse on every play and every situation, some either disagree or misunderstand me. Let me explain....as a HC, you are responsible for the flow of the game....what I mean by this is, if our defense is coming off the field, tired, beaten, confused, they need time to rest and adjust....meet with the DC and position coaches. In the meantime, an OC isn't worried about that...what's to stop them from going out, three straight incomplete passes, punt and put the defense right back on the field? The HC is! An OC is on the 1 yard line and wants to dropback and throw a deep pass, risking a safety, what's to stop him from doing that? The HC is! A DC, wants to blow a TO to talk to his players because the OC went three and out....what's to stop him from blowing a TO that we made need later? The HC! Clock management, who is in charge of that, because the coordinators are to busy calling the game? The HC! Substitution, tired or banged up player needs to come out....who is in charge of that? The HC! Telling the ST coordinator, squib kick it and take a few seconds off the clock, so they don't get good field position and have time for a pass, TO and FG to win the game? The HC is! Who tells the QB, if he's open in the corner of the end zone, throw it to him for the win, if he's covered like a blanket, throw it away! The HC is! Some see it as micromanaging, it is...but, if done correctly and without undermining his staff in front of his players, it's a must...at least in my eyes. It's also a lot of fun! Even the 90 hour work weeks.
Now, that said, who thinks Schotty is doing all of these things, or who thinks he should?

Go Cowboys!

Yep, HC is huge in football and unfortunately Schotty is just the latest in a long line of Cowboys patsy HCs

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

This team has no identity.

It hasnt for years

No HC can put their fingerprints on this team because of the GM and Owner.

Coach you have NEVER (correct me if im wrong) had to deal with for example a teacher, or administrator that undermines your authority.

Schotty stood no chance here, just like MM didnt and countless coaches before them.

Schotty wasnt even a good OC, so to get back to your original point, thinking he can manage an offense and the duties of a HC was insane to begin with.

Agree
The owner wants highest profits, sell sell sell. Thats the culture of this team. Even players do it now, providing little corporate sound bites. Dak has particularly been bad about it and I have voiced my opinion. Other players are guilty too.

The GM is got a big ego at this point and given all the criticism, he can't quit the job now because if he does, he is admitting it and he just can't do that.

And it costs way too much to actually have a championship team, in coaching costs, player costs and losing control. It impacts profits.

Too much losing impacts revenue and profits.

As an owner, mediocrity is most profitable. Keeps fans engaged and interested. Hopeful. And has rhe most profits.

and that formula has worked for 30 years. Not the cheapest coach, but one of lowest paid. The salary cap controls cost. Don't put out too much cash unless there is ROI. And bonuses to players like Dak, CD pay back in keraey sales. Take those out and we were one of the lowest cash spending teams. We also keep players past their usefulness unless forced to, meaning we do t like to pay twice for the same position.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Reid Peyton two of the veteran coaches are cooking up the offenses on Sunday if not calling the plays outright the difference is they have defenses that actually stop the opponents allowing them to consistently win .
Defense here has been garbage for awhile .

Thats what baffles me.

2024 defense was bad. I thought it will get better, but 2025 we were 6th all time worst, and thought they made changes, added some pieces, I was hopeful but this defense isn't any better than last year and we haven't played any good offenses yet. Giants, Tampa, washington even the ravens offense is not that good. And Houston offense struggling this year. And each of them have had their way with us.

Its about to really get bad for this defense and a players only meeting ain't the answer

 

[Ranching]

Perfectly said

And please next time PARAGRAPH is your best friend

Lol! I started out as a language arts teacher, back in 1988....I need to look for my red pen!

 

[RodeoJake]

Thanks, ol buddy. Nice to get a perspective from someone who's been, done that.

Football being a team sport, also includes the coaching staff. Everyone has to work together or none of the parts work. Individual accomplishments don't mean spit if you fail as a team.

 

[Whiskeyta]

I know being both HC and OC has mentioned is several other posts and that was my first thought also. I also realize that several NFL HC's also call plays and are successful at it. It just seems to me that a HC would be more successful concentrating on the HC duties and leaving the play calling to his OC/DC. When they try to do both, they have too many irons in the fire.

 

[Rockport]

You have to trust your staff and be able to multitask.....the good ones let staff adjust on the sidelines and they keep an eye on the game.

But if he’s calling plays and trying to be the HC it seems like he doesn’t have the time to worry about game management and other areas. MM did it and the team had the same issues it seems.

 

[kskboys]

I can't disagree with anything you stated, Ranching. You are correct.

The problem is...Jerry Jones, of late, has been adamant about his HC not just being a "walk around" coach who oversees everything while delegating to assistants. He wanted Garrett calling plays and running the offense. He wanted McCarthy calling plays and running the offense. He wants Schotty to call plays and run the offense. Not sure if Jerry feels he is getting more bang for his buck.

The two "walk around" coaches I think of most in Dallas under Jerry are Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcels. Both of those coaches were the face of the franchise and the people the coaches and players looked at as in charge in Dallas. In charge of personnel, culture, practice, gameday, post-game, everything. I don't think Jerry wants to go back to that at all even if it meant success.

I could be completely off base here. Other HCs have handled it just how you described @Ranching who also had the responsibility of calling plays and have had success. Andy Reid, Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, and others.

I just feel Jerry Jones neuters his head coaches with his over the top always involved ways.

Absolutely.

 

[kskboys]

It feels like Schotty is way too buried in his play sheet, worrying about the next offensive call, rather than actually watching the game flow. When the offense goes ultra-fast and ignores time of possession, it leaves a struggling defense completely out to dry. A real head coach needs to see that macro picture, slow the game down, and put the team in a position to win—not just play Madden on the sideline

I was thinking along the same lines. Schotty is a details guy, but he concentrates solely on the details and misses the big pic. I was on his side at first, but I'm thinking he just doesn't have control of the team. It really looks like it's getting away from him.

 

[nightrain]

I like it when a dude takes over a HC position and states his team will be physical, tough and run the ball; and then proceeds to deliver on that philosophy.

 

[kskboys]

I know being both HC and OC has mentioned is several other posts and that was my first thought also. I also realize that several NFL HC's also call plays and are successful at it. It just seems to me that a HC would be more successful concentrating on the HC duties and leaving the play calling to his OC/DC. When they try to do both, they have too many irons in the fire.

I think it's a special talent to do both that most HC's don't possess.

 

[Ranching]

But if he’s calling plays and trying to be the HC it seems like he doesn’t have the time to worry about game management and other areas. MM did it and the team had the same issues it seems.

I agree....walk around coach is a term that many don't understand. They think he just walks around...lol
During practice, I used to "walk around" watch drills and get in there and do a little teaching, encouraging and correcting....got to get your hands dirty..players need to know that you're involved and they need to trust you.
I would tell my staff...I'm gonna rip the coordinator in front of his staff, if he's doing his job, his staff will feel bad that I ripped him and they'll work harder for their coordinator...the coordinator rips the position coaches in front of their players, if he's doing his job, the players will work harder, because they let their coach down....that was my philosophy, I didn't learn it anywhere, but apparently people liked it, because I'm asked to speak at coaches clinics about the "football psychology " young coaches eat it up.....so much involved, and most have their own way. The best way, is the way that works for you. If you don't believe, you don't belong!!!! 1,2,3, BREAK!!!!!!

 

[kskboys]

IMO Shotty could be an OK HC, but only w/ really strong coordinators. Instead, we have a kid and an in name only as coordinators. Horrible