Cowboys Coach Brian Schottenheimer Declares Focus on Winning Ahead of 2026 NFL Season

As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2026 NFL season, expectations are soaring, a perennial sentiment for the storied franchise. Coming off a tough 2025 season with a record of 7-9-1, the team has made significant changes during the offseason, making them a popular choice to bounce back. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer, now in his second year, acknowledges the need for better performance to avoid the pressure of job security.

The Cowboys have not faced consecutive playoff absences since 2019 and 2020, and Schottenheimer is determined to prevent that from happening during his early tenure. Addressing the media recently, he shared his primary objective for the upcoming season: securing more victories.

One of the key changes for the Cowboys this offseason is the appointment of Christian Parker as the new defensive coordinator, replacing Matt Eberflus, who struggled to guide a defense that finished last in the league. The team has actively sought to enhance both its coaching and player roster, instilling a newfound confidence in the organization as they approach the 2026 campaign.

Reflecting on the team's direction, Schottenheimer stated, “I mean, it’s obviously going to start with more wins, getting the culture to continue to grow. Like I said, I think in one of the deals this year, the culture has been really fun to create because you’ve got a lot of new faces.” His emphasis on fostering a winning culture underscores the necessity of on-field success.

The Cowboys have made strategic additions, including a trade for defensive lineman Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers and the selection of first-round draft picks Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence, expected to make immediate impacts on defense. Offensively, the Cowboys boast a potent attack, ranking sixth in the NFL with an impressive Offense Impact Score of 84.8. With Dak Prescott leading the charge and a formidable receiving duo in George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, the team is poised for improvement.

While the Cowboys may not be leading the pack of Super Bowl contenders as the season begins, they are certainly positioned for a stronger showing than last year, aiming to surpass their previous win total and reclaim their status as a formidable force in the league.