Jones defends Schottenheimer hiring: This is the best way to win

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn't agree that he stayed in his comfort zone by promoting offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach.

"If you don't think I can't operate out of my comfort zone, you're so wrong, it's unbelievable," Jones said in a press conference Monday. "This is as big a risk you could take. No head coaching experience."

He added: "This decision to bring in Schotty is risky - it's not a Hail Mary at all."

Jones acknowledged he got his "proverbial ass kicked" for seemingly playing it safe and hiring Schottenheimer, who's been the Cowboys' offensive coordinator for the past two seasons. But Jones believes Schottenheimer is Dallas' ticket to the postseason and beyond.

"This is the best way we can go to the playoffs and win," he said.

Schottenheimer has spent most of his 25-year career as an OC or quarterbacks coach. He reportedly signed a four-year deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, and will be in charge of offensive play-calling.

Jones also defended the hire by saying the team conducted a "thorough, thorough process." The Cowboys only interviewed three other candidates: newly hired San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Seahawks assistant head coach Leslie Frazier, and Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

Jones said other coaches reached out to him about the vacancy as well because they feel Dallas is close to winning a title, per The Athletic's Jon Machota.

Schottenheimer will replace Mike McCarthy, who the Cowboys declined to re-sign after the two sides couldn't agree on a new deal.

"Mike McCarthy left some good stuff here. One of them is Brian. ... It was time for a change," Jones said.

The Cowboys finished the 2024 season 7-10. They haven't made an NFC Championship Game since 1995.