The Dallas Cowboys have a new head coach, and it’s probably not who you expected.
After talking to some bigger name candidates, including Deion Sanders and Kellen Moore, the team went with Brian Schottenheimer, an internal hire.
Schottenheimer has been in Dallas for the past three seasons. He first served as a consultant and then as offensive coordinator, per NFL.com.
Next season will be Schottenheimer’s first as a head coach, but he’s very familiar with what the role entails.
His father, the late Marty Schottenheimer, “earned 200 regular-season wins during a long coaching career with multiple teams,” NFL.com reported.
Although Brian Schottenheimer is seen as something of an unproven leader, Cowboys players reportedly love him.
Sources “in and around the team” told ESPN that quarterback Dak Prescott was pulling for him to get the job.
“Despite being around for just three seasons, Schottenheimer has developed good relationships with every part of the organization,” ESPN reported.
Still, the Cowboys' decision was surprising, including to NFL insiders.
“Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, a former Cowboys player and the former OC in Dallas, was believed to covet the job and there is surprise in league circles that Dallas didn’t wait to explore that possibility more fully,” ESPN reported.
According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Dallas gave Schottenheimer a four-year deal.
He’ll be tasked with turning the Cowboys back into a legitimate contender after a disappointing season.