Locked On Cowboys – “DISAPPOINTING: Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer’s First Year RAISES Long-Term Questions!”

Date: January 6, 2026
Hosts: Marcus Mosher (MM), Glenn “Stretch” Smith (GS, guest host)
Podcast Network: Locked On Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This episode examines the Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 season under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Marcus Mosher and special guest Glenn “Stretch” Smith break down the team’s performance versus preseason expectations, specifically addressing whether Schottenheimer underperformed, assessing the defensive struggles under coordinator Matt Eberflus, and reviewing the effectiveness of key assistants. The hosts discuss coaching staff futures, player development, and lingering long-term questions for the franchise.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Season Expectations vs. Reality

[01:32–04:14]

• Preseason Win Total: Cowboys projected at 7.5 wins; ended with a 7-9-1 record.
• Personnel Uncertainty: Uncertainties surrounded key players like Micah Parsons (traded), Javonte Williams (free agent signing), and George Pickens (new acquisition).
• Surprise Outcomes: Wins over teams like Philadelphia and Kansas City were unexpected, but overall inconsistency defined the season.
• Defensive Collapse: Surrendered 511 points, averaging over 30 per game.

"If you thought this was better than a 500 football team, I think you probably were a little bit on the blue Kool Aid."
— Glenn Stretch Smith [02:18]

2. Offense Good, Defense Historically Bad

[03:28–05:42]

• Offense performed well but faltered in crucial games.
• Defense was described as "a mule" compared to the "Ferrari" on offense.
• Core issue: "Complete ineptness on one side of the football" (GS [04:14]).
• Resulted in pressure and little margin for head coach or offense to make mistakes.

"We've got a really good offensive football team... but I'm gonna tell you, you got yourself where you have yourself, you know, a Ferrari on offense, you got yourself a mule on defense."
— Glenn Stretch Smith [05:22]

3. Year One Schottenheimer Evaluation

[05:42–07:57]

• Context: Schottenheimer inherited a sub-.500 roster, then lost key player(s) days before the season.
• Comparisons: Other new coaches (Ben Johnson, Mike Vrabel, Liam Cohen) led teams to the playoffs.
• Overall grade: “Middle of the road.” Good offensive moves like Pickens, Javonte Williams, and Clowney; major misses with Sam Williams, Mazi Smith, and Schoonmaker.
• Personnel decisions (not all his fault) hamstrung Schottenheimer’s impact.

"Seven, nine and one. That's never going to go away. Whenever you google him up as a head coach, that's what’s going to come across that line. So it's now...written in Sharpie."
— Glenn Stretch Smith [06:41]

4. Is Schottenheimer the Right Guy?

[07:57–09:36]

• MM: Not “down” on Schottenheimer, but wishes the search had included more high-upside names; the hire didn’t inspire as much confidence.
• GS: Team is “close” if defensive draft picks pan out; Schottenheimer may not be fairly judged yet due to personnel issues.

"I feel better about him now, but not to the level that I would like to."
— Marcus Mosher [08:31]

5. Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus’ Future

[10:08–19:53]

• MM calls hiring Eberflus “one of the bad decisions” of the offseason.
• Eberflus claims he has no regrets, but GS calls that “a little fib.”
• Fundamental critique: Defensive players exhibited poor technique, situational awareness, and discipline.
• MM: Eberflus’ defenses need elite talent; can’t compensate for deficiencies or injuries, which separates “good” DCs from elite ones.
• Run defense, the main offseason objective, regressed despite new personnel.
• Stretch predicts Eberflus’ departure is a foregone conclusion: “They're moving on from Matt Eberflus.”
• Discussion about whether any defensive assistants should be retained; consensus: new coordinator should pick staff.

"You can't have that...I just didn't see a well-coached, technique-sound defense, and that doesn't take a lot to do that."
— Glenn Stretch Smith [13:51]

"I would imagine...he’s not going to be the defensive coordinator in 2026...this seems like a lock that they're going to move on."
— Marcus Mosher [17:14]

6. Review of Other Key Assistants

[20:33–28:31]

Clayton Adams, Offensive Coordinator

[21:32–24:52]

• Praised for imaginative run schemes and adaptive pass protections despite injuries.
• Direct tie to Schottenheimer’s vision and success.
• Deserved credit for maximizing offensive output.

"He did some very imaginative things...I do think he did a heck of a job."
— Glenn Stretch Smith [22:27]

Junior Adams, Wide Receivers Coach

[24:52–25:31]

• Commended for standout development: George Pickens (potential All-Pro), Ryan Flournoy (step forward), Jalen Tolbert (came up big in key moments).

"I had some concerns about Junior Adams. Not anymore. I think he did a good job with the squad."
— Marcus Mosher [25:14]

Nick Sorensen, Special Teams Coordinator

[26:25–28:31]

• Underperformed compared to “Bones” Fossil (former ST coordinator).
• Though kicker Brandon Aubrey excelled, return and coverage teams regressed; notably ugly blunders vs. Arizona.
• Potentially would welcome back Fossil if available.

"Not just coaching Marcus, it's also being able to evaluate some of the guys that you want to play for you."
— Glenn Stretch Smith [28:03]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“If you thought this was better than a 500 football team, I think you probably were a little bit on the blue Kool Aid.”

— Glenn Stretch Smith [02:18]

“I just didn't see a well-coached, technique-sound defense and that doesn't take a lot to do that.”

— Glenn Stretch Smith [13:51]

“Seven, nine and one. That's never going to go away. Whenever you google him up as a head coach, that's what’s going to come across...So it's now...written in Sharpie.”

— Glenn Stretch Smith [06:41]

“I feel better about him now, but not to the level that I would like to.”

— Marcus Mosher [08:31]

“You can't have that...I thought that Bones did an unbelievable job. Not just coaching, it’s also being able to evaluate some of the guys that you want to play for you.”

— Glenn Stretch Smith [28:03]

Important Timestamps

• 01:32 — Season review and Vegas win total analysis
• 04:14 — Defensive statistics (511 points allowed) and offensive/defensive imbalance
• 05:42 — Schottenheimer’s performance versus peers
• 10:08 — Critique of DC Matt Eberflus and defensive philosophy
• 13:33 — Stretch’s technical rant on poor defensive technique and situational awareness
• 17:14 — Consensus on moving on from Eberflus
• 21:32 — Clayton Adams praised for offensive creativity
• 24:52 — Junior Adams credited for WR development
• 26:25 — Nick Sorensen and special teams regression; Bones Fossil nostalgia
• 28:10 — Evaluation of coaching as both instruction and talent identification

Overall Tone and Takeaways

The discussion was frank and balanced, with emphasis on accountability and nuance—neither host shied away from critiquing coaches and front office decisions, but they acknowledged hardships, personnel constraints, and silver linings (particularly on offense and within specific position groups).

Long-term questions remain regarding Schottenheimer’s ceiling and the defense’s capacity for rapid turnaround. Staff shake-ups, especially at defensive coordinator and special teams, are likely. There’s optimism about the offensive foundation, but the franchise’s next steps, especially in personnel and coaching hires, are seen as pivotal.

For those who missed the episode:
Expect honest, granular analysis of coaching impacts, clear explanations of the season’s disappointment, and some optimism—mixed with impatience—for an urgently needed defensive overhaul.