In a surprising development that is sure to spark intrigue among Dallas Cowboys fans and the broader NFL community, former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett, now a prominent sports analyst for NBC Sports, has sent a pointed message to current Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Garrett, who spent nearly a decade as the head coach of the Cowboys before transitioning to his current role as a broadcaster, reached out to Schottenheimer regarding the future of the Cowboys’ offense and the adjustments needed as the team aims to reclaim its place among NFL contenders.
Garrett’s message, sent through a private channel but reportedly shared among key individuals close to the Cowboys organization, stressed the importance of consistency, adaptability, and maintaining a balanced offensive approach in order to succeed in the increasingly competitive NFC.
A Message About Adaptability
Sources close to Garrett revealed that his communication with Schottenheimer was both constructive and personal, offering advice and perspective gained from years of leading the Cowboys’ offense. Garrett, who has been critical of some of the team’s offensive struggles in recent seasons, shared his thoughts on the need to evolve in a rapidly changing league while remaining true to the Cowboys’ identity.
“Brian, I know you’ve got the tools to succeed with this offense,” Garrett reportedly wrote in the message. “But the key to turning this thing around is adaptability. The NFL is shifting, and the best teams are the ones that can evolve—especially in the postseason. Stick to the run game, but don’t be afraid to take some calculated risks in the passing game, too. Dak Prescott is a top-tier QB, and you’ve got to let him be the leader we know he can be.”
The message comes at a time when the Cowboys are under significant pressure to improve offensively after a season marked by inconsistent playcalling, missed opportunities in crucial games, and an inability to break through in the playoffs. Despite boasting a strong roster on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys’ offense has often failed to live up to expectations, especially in key moments.
Garrett, who spent 9 years as the Cowboys’ head coach (2010-2019), was known for his methodical, disciplined approach to offense, often emphasizing the run game and a controlled passing attack. While his tenure ended without the playoff success many fans had hoped for, his experience leading one of the NFL’s most high-profile teams gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in Dallas.
Schottenheimer’s Challenge
Brian Schottenheimer, who was hired as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator in 2024, faces a daunting task in restoring consistency to the offense. Schottenheimer, a well-respected offensive mind with experience as both a coordinator and quarterbacks coach, was brought in to revamp an offense that underperformed despite having one of the league’s most talented rosters. Quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, and running back Tony Pollard all have the potential to be explosive, yet the offense often sputtered, particularly in critical moments.
Schottenheimer has already been working to implement a more balanced approach, but he faces pressure from fans, ownership, and the media to turn things around quickly. The Cowboys’ offense, which struggled with rhythm and consistency during the 2024 season, must find a way to support Prescott and take advantage of the team’s offensive weapons.
Garrett’s message to Schottenheimer highlights some of the challenges the new coordinator faces and offers insight into the mindset of a former head coach who is intimately familiar with the spotlight and scrutiny that comes with leading the Cowboys. Garrett’s advice to strike a balance between the running and passing game echoes one of his core philosophies during his time in Dallas: the importance of maintaining a strong foundation in the ground game while giving the quarterback the freedom to lead when necessary.
Garrett’s New Role as Analyst
Since stepping down from his position as Cowboys head coach, Garrett has found a second career as a respected NFL analyst for NBC Sports, offering in-depth analysis on both pregame shows and postgame breakdowns. His ability to break down the X’s and O’s of the game, combined with his extensive experience in Dallas, has made him a sought-after voice in the world of sports broadcasting. Garrett’s analysis often carries weight, particularly when discussing the Cowboys, a team he spent much of his career with both as a player and as a coach.
While Garrett has occasionally been critical of his former team from his analyst’s perch, his message to Schottenheimer shows that he is still deeply invested in the Cowboys’ success and that his connection to the franchise remains strong. Many fans and analysts alike have wondered whether Garrett might one day return to coaching, either with the Cowboys or another team, but for now, it seems that his focus is on offering valuable insight from the broadcast booth.
The Cowboys’ Road Ahead
As the Cowboys look ahead to the 2025 season, Schottenheimer’s ability to implement a successful offensive system will be a major storyline. With Dak Prescott at the helm, the offense has the potential to be one of the league’s most dynamic, but consistency and timely execution will be key to achieving postseason success. Garrett’s message underscores the importance of giving Prescott the tools he needs to succeed while also sticking to a balanced, physical style of play that will allow the offense to thrive.
Dallas fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their team’s journey, with hopes that Schottenheimer can reignite the offensive spark that has too often been absent in big games. Garrett’s words of wisdom, though unofficial, provide a much-needed perspective for Schottenheimer as he looks to navigate the challenges of calling plays for a high-profile team like the Cowboys.
As the NFL season draws nearer, the spotlight will remain on the Cowboys’ offense, and whether Schottenheimer can implement the right system to take them to the next level.
Conclusion
Jason Garrett’s unexpected message to Brian Schottenheimer is a reminder of the deep connection many former coaches still have with their old teams, especially when those teams are as high-profile and scrutinized as the Dallas Cowboys. Garrett’s advice, grounded in years of experience, could play a pivotal role in shaping the Cowboys’ offensive future.
For Schottenheimer, the challenge now is clear: adapt, innovate, and lead a talented but inconsistent offense to greatness. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether the Cowboys can meet the high expectations placed on them, with the legacy of their former head coach—now a prominent analyst—casting a long shadow over their journey.