Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is in the running for the Cowboys' head coach position. Photo: Sam Hodde/Getty Images
The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly close to hiring their next head coach.
Why it matters: The Cowboys need to pick a head coach, figure out their running backs and work through a "really, really tight" budget this offseason.
Catch up quick: Dallas didn't extend head coach Mike McCarthy's contract after the team went 7-10 this season and missed the playoffs.
The New Orleans Saints plan to interview him next week, per ESPN.
State of play: Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is reportedly a frontrunner for the job. The team interviewed him in person earlier this week.
The team also interviewed Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who has played for and coached the Cowboys, and former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh, who was the NFL's first Muslim head coach.
Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach Leslie Frazier was also interviewed.
Between the lines: The Cowboys are competing with several other teams that are also looking for head coaches.
Reality check: Schottenheimer is the least qualified among the candidates, Sports Illustrated reports, adding that hiring him would "spell disaster."
But, his rapport with quarterback Dak Prescott could help him in the head coaching role, The Athletic reports.
Fun fact: Schottenheimer's late father, Marty Schottenheimer, held head coaching jobs for 21 years and was highly respected in the NFL.
The bottom line: Jerry Jones and the Cowboys front office have a big opportunity to win back frustrated fans and save the franchise's reputation. We hope they won't drop the ball.
