The Dallas Cowboys are heading into a new era with Brian Schottenheimer as their head coach, but not everyone is thrilled about it—especially Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin. The former Cowboys legend has been vocal about his support for Deion Sanders, believing that Jerry Jones missed a golden opportunity to bring “Prime Time” back to The Star.
The Schottenheimer Era Begins in Dallas
Following Mike McCarthy’s departure, Jerry Jones wasted little time appointing Schottenheimer as the team’s 10th head coach. While the veteran play-caller boasts 25 years of NFL coaching experience, he has never led a team as a head coach. This reality has left Cowboys fans and analysts skeptical, particularly given the team’s long-standing issues in the postseason.
Initially, reports linked Dallas to Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. Jones even reached out to the two-time Super Bowl champion on the same day McCarthy was let go, but discussions seemingly fizzled out before gaining any real traction.
That decision hasn’t sat well with Irvin, who remains adamant that Dallas needed Sanders’ leadership and energy.
Michael Irvin Calls Out Jerry Jones
During a segment on FS1’s Speak, Irvin didn’t hold back his disappointment over Jones’ decision.
“I love Jerry, but he got it wrong this time and that’s the reality,” Irvin said.
The Cowboys icon has made it clear that he won’t stop advocating for Sanders as the team’s next head coach, should Schottenheimer fail to deliver.
“I’m not giving up my fight. You’re gonna ride by here again in a year or two if this thing doesn’t work out again. And my song will still be singing like a young Diana Ross: DEION! All the way.”
Irvin’s unwavering stance is fueled by the belief that Sanders, a Hall of Fame player with a deep understanding of the Cowboys’ culture, could bring a much-needed spark to Dallas.
What to Expect from the Cowboys Under Brian Schottenheimer
With Schottenheimer now at the helm, the Cowboys are expected to emphasize the running game more than they did under McCarthy. The new coach highlighted his success in Seattle, where his offense led the league in rushing.
That philosophy might require some significant roster adjustments, considering the Cowboys’ underwhelming backfield in 2024. While Ezekiel Elliott made a brief return and Dalvin Cook was signed midseason, neither made a major impact. The team also passed on signing Derrick Henry, despite the All-Pro running back spending much of his offseason in Dallas.
With the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cowboys could look to bolster their rushing attack. Sportskeeda draft analyst Tony Pauline projects Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty—a Heisman runner-up—as the team’s likely selection. If that happens, Schottenheimer will have a promising young talent to build his offense around.
Did Jerry Jones Make the Right Call?
Only time will tell if Schottenheimer is the right fit for the Cowboys, but the skepticism surrounding his hire is understandable. Given his lack of head coaching experience and the high expectations in Dallas, the pressure will be immense.
Meanwhile, Irvin and other Sanders supporters won’t be silenced. If Schottenheimer struggles, expect the calls for “Prime Time” to return to Dallas to grow even louder.
What do you think? Did Jerry Jones miss out on a golden opportunity by passing on Deion Sanders? Let us know in the comments!
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