Here's what to expect when the Cowboys reconvene in Oxnard later this summer.
Brian Schottenheimer brings his high-powered Dallas Cowboys offense and rejuvenated defense under coordinator Christian Parker to Oxnard, Calif. for training camp later this summer, looking to rebound from the largely-frustrating 7-9-1 season in his debut year as the head coach.
Following a few days of minicamp last week in Frisco, the team has separated for the last extended stretch of the offseason. The next time they reconvene will be when they get on the plane to head to the sunny West Coast.
In the time away, we've seen a few Cowboys marriages and likely some vacationing mixed in with conditioning work, but now we have some dates to circle on the upcoming calendar.
Here are the key dates for the 2026 Dallas Cowboys training camp:
July 27 - Team departs for California - their 20th training camp in Oxnard!
July 28 - First press conference
July 29 - First practice
August 1 - Opening Ceremony (1:15 p.m. CT), including the Cowboys Back Together Saturday event (beginning 11:15 a.m. CT)that features live entertainment, merchandise sales and giveaways for fans in attendance.
August 3 - First padded practice - Schottenheimer says there will be more of these in his second training camp as the boss. "Build some callouses," he says about what he's learned about practice planning.
August 4, 6, 8, 9 - Open Practices
- Aug. 6 is Heroes Appreciation Day presented by USAA. Heroes who wear their military or first responder uniform or show their military ID will receive free general admission parking and two reserved spots on the sideline VIP structure to view practice.
August 11 - Joint practice with LA Rams - hello, Myles Garrett!
August 15 - Preseason Game #1 - at Seattle Seahawks (7 p.m. CT)
August 18 - Joint practice with New Orleans Saints - hello, Kellen Moore!
August 22 - Preseason Game #2 - at Arizona Cardinals (8 p.m. CT). Team returns home after the game.
August 28 - Preseason Game #3 - vs. New Orleans Saints (7 p.m. CT)
Schottenheimer spoke at OTAs and minicamp about the leadership and togetherness he's witnessed come into form in Frisco, and after a period of rest, he hopes that continues in Oxnard.
However, Schotty hopes the work continues even when no one is looking.
"Going into the break, it's really about getting away ... but what's the plan? What's the routine? And it's not just the routine of physically getting ready to play - which they have to be ready to play - it's ... along with that, mentally."
As Parker implements his system and players, notably franchise-tagged receiver George Pickens, get back into the fold, all in all, the Cowboys' "drama-free" spring and summer is off to a good start.
"I could not be more happy with how the offseason went," Schottenheimer said.
"The real preparation starts when we get out to Oxnard."
