Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer Calls Himself 'Elite Play-Caller' amid Offense's Struggles

Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer has maintained a high opinion of his own play-calling despite his team's 2-4 start to the 2026 season.

"I have incredible confidence in our offense. Have not played well the last two weeks. We understand a lot of the reasons why, have addressed a lot of the reasons why," Schottenheimer said in a Friday appearance on 105.3 The Fan.

"We haven't changed who we are," Schottenheimer added. "We're still a good explosive offense with weapons. We can hurt you a lot of different ways. Certainly have not lost the ability to call plays.

Schottenheimer 'Pissed Off' by Cowboys Start

"I'm an elite play-caller in this league, and I think that that can turn around quickly."

Schottenheimer was also asked if he had given any consideration to turning over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Klayton Adams.

"No. Absolutely not," Schottenheimer responded.

The Cowboys are preparing to take on the Philadelphia Eagles Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field.

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said on his own appearance on 105.3 The Fan earlier this week that he and owner Jerry Jones felt "really good about our coaching staff."

"There's not any question in Jerry's or my mind. He has the team. There's no question they want to go out there and execute and make things happen," Jones said.

Schottenheimer has previously been critical this season of his own play-calling, which he gave an "F" grade after a Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

The Cowboys are now heading into Week 7, having been held to fewer than 17 points twice in consecutive losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers.

Dallas began last Sunday's matchup against the Packers with a six-play, 19-yard drive before punting the ball away and going on to trail for the remainder of the loss.

Schottenheimer, who said in his introductory press conference back in 2025 he was a "big believer in shifts and motions to distort things," has moved away from that tactic in his second season as head coach. The Cowboys rank second to last in the NFL with a 42.7 percent motion rate so far this season, per Sharp Football.

Adams called plays in one of the Cowboys' preseason matchups, while offensive pass game specialist Ken Dorsey boasts previous play calling experience .

Whether Schottenheimer is able to run a more flexible offense next week against the Eagles could determine whether the Cowboys ultimately considers either staffer as play-calling options down the stretch.