Blogging The Boys
Notable headlines surrounding America’s team.
Brian Schottenheimer is changing the culture.
As the NFL offseason calendar speeds along, Brian Schottenheimer digs his heels in more and more as both a first-time head coach and the latest leader of the Dallas Cowboys. The latest tasks involved conquering his first NFL Draft and then welcoming a class of 18 rookies to minicamp, with OTAs next up on the agenda.
And, thus far, by all accounts, Schottenheimer is the same as he was when he was an analyst for the Cowboys in 2022, and the team’s offensive coordinator in the two seasons that followed — not changing his approach whatsoever to his players or coaches.
After all, building a culture starts at the top.
“I think I’ve always been someone that believes in connections, getting to know these guys,” Schottenheimer said. “I’ve always been someone who’s been able to be demanding and I’m pretty good at disciplining guys. I promised myself, when I got this opportunity, that I wouldn’t change, because I think I’ve seen too many people change.”
He went on to elaborate on the outcome for those who have, for one reason or another, opted to morph into a different version of themselves simply because they earned the power to do so.
“The guys I’ve seen change — I’m not going to name them — they weren’t very successful, and I plan on being really successful,” he said, firmly. “The reason I think I’ll do that is because of my values and my beliefs and how hard I work, but also because I’m going to be me and I’m not going to change that for anything.”
Oh, how the tables have turned.
Marist Liufau
One of the biggest reasons for optimism is the emergence of LB Marist Liufau.
After joining the Cowboys following a standout final season at Notre Dame, Liufau turned heads with his physicality, football IQ, and sideline-to-sideline range.
He got starter’s reps in 2024, even wearing the coveted “green dot” on his helmet as the defense’s signal-caller, and looks like a natural fit in the heart of DC Matt Eberflus’ scheme.
His ability to diagnose plays quickly and finish in space gives Dallas a new level of confidence in the middle of the field.
Kenneth Murray
Joining Liufau is Kenneth Murray, a former first-round pick who is hoping to find new life in Dallas.
Murray brings a rare mix of size, speed, and NFL experience, and after an up-and-down stint with the Chargers, he’s shown signs of becoming the consistent playmaker many projected him to be out of Oklahoma.
