What is Brian Schottenheimer’s actual role in the Cowboys offense?

Although the Cowboys promoted offensive consultant Brian Schottenheimer to offensive coordinator, it will be Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy pulling the offense’s strings. 

“Yes, he is now the OC of the Cowboys in title, but of course not the actual OC,” wrote The Athletic’s Bob Sturm.”Schottenheimer has a very important role, but not one that dramatically moves the needle.”

McCarthy will call plays and trust Schottenheimer to organize meetings and install the concepts McCarthy favors, per Sturm.

Limiting Schottenheimer’s involvement in play calling is McCarthy’s attempt to gain control after former OC Kellen Moore and Dallas mutually parted ways.

McCarthy and Moore clashed despite the Cowboys offense ranking 10th in total yards and third in scoring.

After a Week 1 regular-season loss to Tampa Bay, McCarthy told reporters in a news conference that Moore needed to be “smarter” with his play calling, becoming more conservative.

However, Moore remained aggressive and encouraged Quarterback Dak Prescott to gamble. In 12 starts, Prescott threw 23 TDs but also threw a career-high 15 interceptions. 

Prescott’s erratic play and conflicting philosophies continued to divide the two coaches, ultimately leading to the split.

“I heard things between him (Moore) and McCarthy weren’t great at the end,” Sports Illustrated NFL Insider Albert Breer said on “The Dan Patrick Show” recently. 

Consequently, Schottenheimer replaces Moore since he will likely listen to McCarthy and run his west-coast offense, giving the Dallas HC a sense of comfortability. In particular, Sturm mused that McCarthy was looking for someone who “can run meetings and teach what he wants to be taught” and not “go rogue.” 

As a result, it appears Schottenheimer’s “promotion” will have a minimal impact on his overall responsibilities while allowing McCarthy to consolidate power within the organization.