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Todd Archer
FRISCO, Texas — The initial season for Brian Schottenheimer as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys was already poised to be a challenging one. That’s the reality of any new role.
This challenge intensified on Thursday when the Cowboys dealt their Pro Bowl edge rusher, Micah Parsons, to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for two first-round selections and defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
However, there could be positive news for Schottenheimer stemming from the trade.
Entering the season, which kicks off Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC), expectations are low. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Cowboys have a 28.2% probability of reaching the playoffs, an 11.5% chance of winning the NFC East, and only a 1.1% likelihood of lifting the Lombardi Trophy.
If the Cowboys manage to exceed expectations, at least those from outside, Schottenheimer will find himself in a favorable position. Conversely, if the Cowboys struggle, Schottenheimer will not bear all the responsibility since he was missing a four-time Pro Bowler who has registered at least 12 sacks in each of his four seasons and has been a three-time finalist for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
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While the Cowboys were in Oxnard, California, for training camp and the ongoing situation involving Parsons and the Cowboys’ front office — executive vice president Stephen Jones, owner and general manager Jerry Jones, and vice president of player personnel Will McClay — continued, Schottenheimer was asked if he felt stuck in the middle.
«No, because I maintain communication with everyone. I mean, I’m consistently talking to the players. I’m in touch with ownership all the time. Stephen, Jerry, and I are in regular discussions, along with Will McClay,» he said. «You know, again, the business aspect is just that—business.
«We’re not the only organization in the league dealing with this. It’s a common occurrence in large businesses and with top-tier players. But, no, I see myself as someone who can engage in discussions and assimilate a lot of information. I’m equipped to assess situations from all angles.»
During the Atlanta Falcons game, Parsons was eating nachos while walking through the AT&T Stadium corridor to the locker room. He was the only player not adorned in his jersey on the sidelines. At the beginning of the third quarter, he was lying on a medical table behind the bench as the offense advanced down the field.
It seemed as if he were testing limits.
Two days following the game, Schottenheimer convened with Parsons. He chose not to reveal the specifics of their conversation, but multiple sources indicated that several players had started to express concern over Parsons’ conduct.
This isn’t the first instance of teammates being frustrated over the years. Some were not fond of what they viewed as a nonchalant attitude towards practice at times. Others were displeased when Parsons failed to mention Dak Prescott among the league’s top quarterbacks on his podcast.
Nonetheless, Parsons’ on-field performance consistently outweighed any off-field dilemmas.
Yet, for Schottenheimer, the trade alleviates the constant inquiries regarding Parsons’ status and potential distractions.
In some respects, his role may have just become less complicated.
