Chad Johnson has joined others in criticizing Jerry Jones following the hiring of Brian Schottenheimer as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. During Saturday night’s Nightcap, Johnson and Shannon Sharpe discussed the decision, with Sharpe expressing no objection to Schottenheimer’s hiring but noting it contradicted the Cowboys’ stated desires for a coach. “’We want somebody with previous head coaching experience and someone who has called plays,’” Sharpe emphasized. “Brian Schottenheimer’s never been a head coach — he didn’t call plays.”
Johnson took a stronger stance, arguing that Schottenheimer’s hiring reflects badly on Jones as an owner. “Obviously Jerry wants to continue his reign with power,” Johnson said. “He doesn’t want to relinquish that power. He wants to be in control of everything. And he hired a coach that will fall in line with just that.” Johnson elaborated, pointing out the repetitive cycle of coach hires. “The definition of insanity is doing things over and over in a way you see fit — and expecting different results. The results have been the same for years. Jason Garrett, Mike McCarthy, now Mr. Schottenheimer. Nothing is going to change until you remove yourself and let people do their job.”
Unc & Ocho react to The Cowboys hiring Brian Schottenheimer as their new HC 🏈 @ShannonSharpe @ochocinco @ShayShayMedia_
Tune in: https://t.co/9969JS2JBy pic.twitter.com/AM7wECYokd
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) January 26, 2025
Sharpe echoed Johnson’s sentiments, listing past head coaches since the Cowboys’ last Super Bowl win: “Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Wade Phillips, Jason Garrett, Mike McCarthy, and now Brian Schottenheimer. All of ’em. Nothing changed. It’s just different names.” Johnson pressed on, “Will any of them challenge Jerry?” to which Sharpe replied, “Hell no.”
Sharpe also pointed out that there was no interest from other NFL teams to hire or interview Schottenheimer. “Think about it,” Johnson added. “Look at the elephant in the room. The coaches available — good coaches — wouldn’t go for the shenanigans. You have to get out of your own way.” Unfortunately, Jones has not indicated any desire to step back from his role; recent remarks even suggest the opposite.
Ultimately, Schottenheimer’s performance will determine if this hiring was wise. Nevertheless, the reaction to his appointment mirrors previous controversial hires. The Cowboys have not won a Super Bowl since the 1995 season, and since then, they have failed to reach even the NFC Championship Game. In light of this, a “more of the same” hiring strategy does not inspire optimism for fans hoping to see the Cowboys succeed.
