We Need to Pump the Brakes on Shottenheimer Expectations

[GMO415]

Look, I get it—everyone wants instant results. But we need to be realistic about where Shottenheimer is in his development and what the job actually demands.


Shottenheimer needs time to become an effective NFL head coach. It’s not going to happen overnight, and honestly, it shouldn’t be expected to. On average, it takes three to four years for a first-time head coach to truly grasp the scope of the position—managing a roster, handling game flow, dealing with the media, adapting schemes, building staff chemistry, and learning how to lead an entire organization instead of just a room.


And that’s just the head-coaching side of things.


If you add OC responsibilities on top of that, the learning curve gets even steeper. Balancing HC duties with play-calling and offensive design is one of the hardest jobs in the league. Even seasoned head coaches struggle with it. For someone still growing into the role, the timeline extends even further.


We can critique decisions and talk about what needs to improve, but we also need to acknowledge the reality of the process. If DAL is committed to Shotty, then the fans have to commit to the development timeline that realistically comes with him.


Patience isn’t fun—but it’s usually necessary.

 

[mardwin]

After not having the balls on 4th down to go for it in 3 different crucial occasions, my expectations for Schottenheimer are somewhere between Jason Garret and Dave Campo.

 

[CT Dal Fan]

Let's not forget the Cowboys have had the NFL's number one offense since week two and Schotty calls the plays.

If this defense was not an absolute dumpster fire under Eberflus- a DC forced upon Schotty by the Jones'- the Cowboys are at least a nine win team right now.

 

[RS12]

We Need to Pump the Brakes on Shottenheimer Expectations​

You needed to have expectations in the first place to have a reason to pump the brakes.

 

[plymkr]

We Need to Pump the Brakes on Shottenheimer Expectations​

You needed to have expectations in the first place to have a reason to pump the brakes.

Exactly. My expectations were so low for Schotty that he’s already exceeded my expectations. I predicted 4 wins to start the season. Either 4 or 6, I can’t remember. But Schotty already surpassed my expectations and that is not a compliment.

 

[thunderpimp91]

We can critique decisions and talk about what needs to improve, but we also need to acknowledge the reality of the process. If DAL is committed to Shotty, then the fans have to commit to the development timeline that realistically comes with him.

You make a fair argument, but when you have a well performing 32 year old QB you don't have time for developing a HC. You simply don't have 3-4 years for Schottenheimer to take his lumps and figure it out as you'll simply waste the prime years of Dak, Q, Lamb, etc. At some point very soon the Cowboys have to get very serious about winning today and stop talking about development.

 

[JeffInDC]

Hmmmm…a first-time HC for the most drama-packed team in the NFL that wasn’t able to pick his own DC, has his All-Pro level defensive star traded a few days before opening day, loses a player to suicide…and still had this team somewhat in playoff contention even though the majority of this board probably picked the team to be sub-.500. I think he’s done a very good job with this team and will only be better in Year 2 - especially if he gets to pick his own DC.

 

[Wildcat711]

Yes I didn't have any expectations myself.. kept saying I would start judging him next season.

After the most pathetic offseason I have ever seen, I didn't think they had done enough this offseason to make much of a difference (I was wrong about J. Williams)

I am expecting a much better offseason next (yes I'm a glutton for punishment) I really think there is the opportunity to put together a decent team.

Forget the Cap.. anyone can manipulate it if they want to.

If Stephen dribbles on about "pies" again I'm going to lose it and join the ranks of the apathetic fan.

 

[Kwyn]

After not having the balls on 4th down to go for it in 3 different crucial occasions, my expectations for Schottenheimer are somewhere between Jason Garret and Dave Campo.

So, going for it on fourth down is the difference between average and awful?

Pretty rigorous set of testing criteria you have there.

 

[nate dizzle]

Look, I get it—everyone wants instant results. But we need to be realistic about where Shottenheimer is in his development and what the job actually demands.


Shottenheimer needs time to become an effective NFL head coach. It’s not going to happen overnight, and honestly, it shouldn’t be expected to. On average, it takes three to four years for a first-time head coach to truly grasp the scope of the position—managing a roster, handling game flow, dealing with the media, adapting schemes, building staff chemistry, and learning how to lead an entire organization instead of just a room.


And that’s just the head-coaching side of things.


If you add OC responsibilities on top of that, the learning curve gets even steeper. Balancing HC duties with play-calling and offensive design is one of the hardest jobs in the league. Even seasoned head coaches struggle with it. For someone still growing into the role, the timeline extends even further.


We can critique decisions and talk about what needs to improve, but we also need to acknowledge the reality of the process. If DAL is committed to Shotty, then the fans have to commit to the development timeline that realistically comes with him.


Patience isn’t fun—but it’s usually necessary.

I pulled the e-brake the day he was signed

 

[Rayman70]

Look, I get it—everyone wants instant results. But we need to be realistic about where Shottenheimer is in his development and what the job actually demands.


Shottenheimer needs time to become an effective NFL head coach. It’s not going to happen overnight, and honestly, it shouldn’t be expected to. On average, it takes three to four years for a first-time head coach to truly grasp the scope of the position—managing a roster, handling game flow, dealing with the media, adapting schemes, building staff chemistry, and learning how to lead an entire organization instead of just a room.


And that’s just the head-coaching side of things.


If you add OC responsibilities on top of that, the learning curve gets even steeper. Balancing HC duties with play-calling and offensive design is one of the hardest jobs in the league. Even seasoned head coaches struggle with it. For someone still growing into the role, the timeline extends even further.


We can critique decisions and talk about what needs to improve, but we also need to acknowledge the reality of the process. If DAL is committed to Shotty, then the fans have to commit to the development timeline that realistically comes with him.


Patience isn’t fun—but it’s usually necessary.

Yes. I been saying this. Many don't wanna accept it.

 

[Whyjerry]

Someone actually called him
"Elite". Can you imagine?

 

[GMO415]

After not having the balls on 4th down to go for it in 3 different crucial occasions, my expectations for Schottenheimer are somewhere between Jason Garret and Dave Campo.

Damn....no hope. Hahaha

 

[john van brocklin]

Look, I get it—everyone wants instant results. But we need to be realistic about where Shottenheimer is in his development and what the job actually demands.


Shottenheimer needs time to become an effective NFL head coach. It’s not going to happen overnight, and honestly, it shouldn’t be expected to. On average, it takes three to four years for a first-time head coach to truly grasp the scope of the position—managing a roster, handling game flow, dealing with the media, adapting schemes, building staff chemistry, and learning how to lead an entire organization instead of just a room.


And that’s just the head-coaching side of things.


If you add OC responsibilities on top of that, the learning curve gets even steeper. Balancing HC duties with play-calling and offensive design is one of the hardest jobs in the league. Even seasoned head coaches struggle with it. For someone still growing into the role, the timeline extends even further.


We can critique decisions and talk about what needs to improve, but we also need to acknowledge the reality of the process. If DAL is committed to Shotty, then the fans have to commit to the development timeline that realistically comes with him.


Patience isn’t fun—but it’s usually necessary.

Why is the most valuable sports team on earth, having an on the job training HC?

 

[GMO415]

You make a fair argument, but when you have a well performing 32 year old QB you don't have time for developing a HC. You simply don't have 3-4 years for Schottenheimer to take his lumps and figure it out as you'll simply waste the prime years of Dak, Q, Lamb, etc. At some point very soon the Cowboys have to get very serious about winning today and stop talking about development.

Then its a bad hire.

 

[Established1971]

After not having the balls on 4th down to go for it in 3 different crucial occasions, my expectations for Schottenheimer are somewhere between Jason Garret and Dave Campo.

he did the right thing. FG's are a crucial part of the game
this I want it all I want it now macho 4th down trend is dumb football

 

[Coogiguy03]

Look, I get it—everyone wants instant results. But we need to be realistic about where Shottenheimer is in his development and what the job actually demands.


Shottenheimer needs time to become an effective NFL head coach. It’s not going to happen overnight, and honestly, it shouldn’t be expected to. On average, it takes three to four years for a first-time head coach to truly grasp the scope of the position—managing a roster, handling game flow, dealing with the media, adapting schemes, building staff chemistry, and learning how to lead an entire organization instead of just a room.


And that’s just the head-coaching side of things.


If you add OC responsibilities on top of that, the learning curve gets even steeper. Balancing HC duties with play-calling and offensive design is one of the hardest jobs in the league. Even seasoned head coaches struggle with it. For someone still growing into the role, the timeline extends even further.


We can critique decisions and talk about what needs to improve, but we also need to acknowledge the reality of the process. If DAL is committed to Shotty, then the fans have to commit to the development timeline that realistically comes with him.


Patience isn’t fun—but it’s usually necessary.

Trust me he'll have 10 years of training to do so!!

 

[Coogiguy03]

Why is the most valuable sports team on earth, having an on the job training HC?

Jerry has a soft heart lazy too

 

[diamonddelts]

​

You needed to have expectations in the first place to have a reason to pump the brakes.

THIS. Nepo baby who failed upwards.

 

[MonkeymanWoes]

For me, he exceeded expectations. Team overall better than expected. Yes, it hurts when we were so close and blundered our way into some losses. Next year will be the true test.