Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said new head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s future is intertwined with his own.
Prescott pointed out that Schottenheimer signed for four years.
“I got four years left on my contract. He’s tied directly to my future, so let’s go be the best that we can in these four years,” Prescott said.
“I mean, Shotty means a lot to me. He’s been a consistent man, and I think that’s a part of why he’s gotten this job in his time being here. So somebody that shows you the character that is consistent with what they do, that is supportive to me. Anything that has happened to me these three years on the field or off the field, I got a message or check-in on that.”
Schottenheimer served as a offensive analyst for the Cowboys; he scouted opposing offenses for then-defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. He was promoted to offensive coordinator when Kellen Moore left to join the San Diego Chargers. Prescott flourished under Schottenheimer. He led the league in completions (410) and passing touchdowns (36) while throwing for 4,516 yards with a quarterback rating of 105.9.
Prescott said he wanted to maintain continuity with his offense because of his success with Schottenheimer. He made that clear in his discussions with owner Jerry Jones and CEO Stephen Jones after Mike McCarthy was fired as head coach. The Joneses were also looking for continuity, and Dak made his opinion clear. “Look no further than Schotty,” he said.
Prescott said he and Schottenheimer have had many tough conversations, and some “pure disagreements,” but have always been able to shake hands and respect each other’s views.
He said that Schottenheimer had a large part in developing the team’s game plans during the season. He also helped put plays together for the offense. While he did have conversations with McCarthy, it was often Schottenheimer with whom he was preparing for games. He said that now that Schottenheimer is the play caller, there is much more room for growth and communication between the two.
Prescott praised Schottenheimer as “built” for the moment. He said the coach brings honesty and energy, and a “tell it like it is” kind of attitude.
He also said Schottenheimer will be a leader for the whole team.
“He’s going to command the team,” he said. “He’s going to galvanize more than just the offense. The special teams, the defense, everybody will have the same message. You'll be on the same accord. I think everybody will have clear job responsibilities, something I think he said up there. And from there, he will hold everybody [accountable], and not only that, he expects everybody to hold him accountable to that, to those communications.
“That alone has me excited.”
At the introductory presser, Schottenheimer assured Prescott that the feeling was mutual. He shouted out Prescott and several players who appeared in the audience. He also praised the quarterback for his competitive fire.
“Dak and I know how to push each other’s buttons, we know how to have hard conversations,” Schottenheimer said. “The competitor in him is special. ... He’s the type of worker that changes an entire organization, and I think he and I see the game of football, offensively, very, very [similarly].”
