In the world of football, mentorship often happens behind the scenes, and one of the NFL's quietest yet most respected offensive minds is playing a key role in shaping the next generation of college coaching stars. Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer may be focused on a bounce-back season after missing the playoffs in 2025, but his influence is reaching far beyond the Lone Star State.
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian recently revealed that Schottenheimer is among a select group of NFL coaches he consults to sharpen his own play-calling and strategy. On "Josh Pate's College Football Show," Sarkisian shared that during the month of May, he makes a point to connect with top offensive minds across the league. "It might be one play that I'm going to go and visit Sean McVay about, or a Kyle Shanahan, or a Brian Schottenheimer," Sarkisian said. "That part's important."
It's high praise for Schottenheimer, whose work with the Cowboys' offense has been a consistent bright spot even during a down year. Dallas maintained strong scoring and passing efficiency numbers, thanks in large part to quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver George Pickens—a duo that remains the engine of the team's attack heading into the new season. While Schottenheimer is also expected to address a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league in 2025, his offensive acumen continues to earn respect from peers at every level.
For Sarkisian, the NFL connection is more than just a networking exercise. The Longhorns averaged just 30.5 points per game last season, ranking 41st nationally in scoring. By tapping into Schottenheimer's system and others like it, Sarkisian is looking for the tactical edge that can elevate Texas back into championship contention.
It's a reminder that in football, great ideas don't stay within one sideline—they travel from the NFL to college, from one coach to another, and from one playbook to the next. And for Schottenheimer, his low-key role as a mentor is just another example of how the game's best minds are always teaching, even when the cameras aren't rolling.