Two losing seasons and missed playoffs put Brian Schottenheimer on the hot seat. Can he turn the Cowboys' fortunes around in 2026?
The Dallas Cowboys have gone back-to-back seasons with a losing record, which means that they have also missed the playoffs after making them the previous three seasons before that.
As a result, some have called for Cowboys head coach Brian Scottenheimer to be considered to be fired.
In a recent article by Fox Sports' Ralph Vacchiano, he ranks who he believes are the top 10 coaches in the NFL who should be on the heat seat. And at the No. 10 spot he has Dallas' Schottenheimer.
"Jerry Jones is painfully patient with his coaches, and the last one he fired after just two seasons was Chan Gailey (1998-99)," Vacchiano writes. "But he’s also used to winning. The Cowboys just suffered back-to-back losing seasons (including one under Mike McCarthy) for the first time since the disastrous Dave Campo regime. If the Cowboys don’t get back to the playoffs next season, are we sure Jones won't make a change?"
In Dallas, expectations are never modest — and that starts with owner Jerry Jones. Jones has long demonstrated a willingness to make bold moves when he believes the team is falling short of its potential. With the Cowboys missing the postseason and failing to meet internal standards, speculation has grown about what could happen if another disappointing campaign unfolds.
Adding another layer to the narrative is the perception surrounding Schottenheimer’s hiring. Analysts have previously noted that he was not widely viewed as a top head-coaching candidate during the hiring cycle. That reality has contributed to the belief among some observers that his margin for error may be slimmer than that of more established hires.
Still, the story is far from written. Schottenheimer enters 2026 with a full offseason to shape the roster and refine his vision. The Cowboys’ talent base remains strong, particularly on offense, where quarterback Dak Prescott continues to be the focal point. If the offense rebounds and the team returns to playoff form, the hot-seat narrative could disappear just as quickly as it surfaced.
Ultimately, coaching in Dallas means operating under a spotlight that never dims. For Schottenheimer, 2026 represents more than just another season — it’s an opportunity to reestablish the Cowboys as contenders and solidify his standing as the franchise’s leader. The pressure is real, but so is the opportunity.