Dak Prescott made sure to attend Brian Schottenheimer’s introductory press conference on Monday after his offensive coordinator was elevated to head coach.
Prescott knows that if he’s to have any on-field prosperity, the new Dallas Cowboys coach must be successful.
“I mean, Shotty means a lot to me,” the QB said, via the team’s official website. “He’s been a consistent man, and I think that’s a part of why he’s gotten this job in his time being here. So somebody that shows you the character that is consistent with what they do, that is supportive to me. Anything that has happened to me these three years on the field or off the field, I got a message or check-in on that.
“Yeah, just wanted to go support him. One, proud of him, proud of taking advantage of this opportunity, and two, I know the approach he’s going to have. I wanted to show him, hey, I’m going to be here with you and for you. Not only, what, he signs for four years? I got four years left on my contract. He’s tied directly to my future, so let’s go be the best that we can in these four years.”
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Schottenheimer went from Cowboys coaching analyst in 2022 to offensive coordinator in 2023 and 2024 before being handed the head coaching gig after Mike McCarthy and the club couldn’t agree on a contract.
Prescott noted that one key in the longtime assistant coach getting the top job after 26 seasons in the NFL was the desire for “continuity.”
“The simple conversation I had with (owner) Jerry (Jones), post the decision of Mike walking, was simply that, the continuity,” Prescott said. “They wanted to keep continuity. Obviously had a lot of success with this group, with these men, and knew this was important to me. And Shotty has been a huge factor in that, setting up the game plan, creating the game plan.
“If you wanted to find continuity in place, look no further than Shotty.”
Hopefully, for Prescott, that continuity doesn’t extend to postseason failures.
In 25 starts over two seasons since Schottenheimer took over as OC, Prescott completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 6,494 yards with 47 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
During that introductory press conference, Jones noted it was as “big a risk as you can take” in hiring Schottenheimer. That admission underscores trepidation from the fan base and onlookers to get behind the hire.
At least for Prescott, there aren’t concerns about Schottenheimer’s ability to lead.
“Oh yeah, he’s going to command the team. He’s going to galvanize more than just the offense,” Dak said. “The special teams, the defense, everybody will have the same message. You’ll be on the same accord. I think everybody will have clear job responsibilities, something I think he said up there. And from there, he will hold everybody [accountable], and not only that, he expects everybody to hold him accountable to that, to those communications.
“That alone has me excited. And understand, that’s where you are going to get continuity, but yet the change we’re looking for.”
If Prescott doesn’t stay healthy and return to his 2023 form, all the continuity in the world won’t matter in Dallas.