The Dallas Cowboys are aiming for a swift rebound next season following a disappointing 2024 campaign. Although injuries played a significant role in Dallas’ struggles, fans and analysts were still calling for a change in leadership. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed his support for head coach Mike McCarthy during the season, but contract negotiations stalled when they attempted to sit down together. Consequently, McCarthy and the organization chose to part ways, prompting Dallas to seek out its next head coach.
Initially, the Cowboys were linked to big-name coaches like Deion Sanders and Pete Carroll. However, after discussions with both, the team opted for a more understated approach and promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenmeir to lead the team, marking his first appointment as a head coach in the league. As he steps into this role, Schottenmeir faces the challenge of finding a new leader for the defense.
According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, “Mike Zimmer tells me that he will not be returning to the (Cowboys) as a member of Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching staff and will likely retire from coaching in the NFL. Zimmer served as defensive coordinator last season. Cowboys likely to hire Matt Eberflus as DC, per sources.”
Mike Zimmer tells me that he will not be returning to the #Cowboys as a member of Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching staff and will likely retire from coaching in the NFL.
Zimmer served as defensive coordinator last season. Cowboys likely to hire Matt Eberflus as DC, per sources. pic.twitter.com/MhKp1Lpfkv— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) January 26, 2025
Fans took to social media to express their thoughts on the announcement. “Can’t say that I blame him,” one fan commented on Twitter. Another shared, “They’re bringing in the ex-Bears coach… winning isn’t on the menu anymore.” Conversely, another fan stated, “I didn’t think Zimmer did a bad job, but I believe Eberflus is an upgrade here. All eyes will be on the offense next year; if they cannot improve, this team is out of luck.” It will be intriguing to see if Dallas can regain its momentum without Zimmer’s expertise.
