Schottenheimer sets expectations for Cowboys fans after Parsons trade

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer had to call over 10 players “so they could hear his voice” after the bombshell trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers left the roster shellshocked.

“I did want those guys to feel like they had a chance to talk to me,” Schottenheimer said. “I said, ‘You guys can say anything you want to me. Here’s why we made the decision. Here’s what went into it.’ Again, those conversations were powerful but also will stay between me and them.”

On Friday, the head coach made clear that his targets for the upcoming campaign had not changed, despite the huge loss to the side: “Nothing’s changed. My goals haven’t changed, Our team goals haven’t changed,” Schottenheimer admitted.

“We want to build one of the greatest sports cultures in the world”

“I hit the players on that today after I talked about just the tough couple days for all the guys, and it doesn’t change. The standard is the standard. I said that. With all the new pieces and people we had in there, I needed to hit the goal, which is to win a world’s championship. I needed to hit that we also want to build one of the greatest professional sports cultures in the world. That’s part of the deal when you add new pieces, you have to make sure they understand your vision.”

“The positive thing about [the timing of the trade] is we’re into a regular seven-day cycle with Philadelphia,” the coach said, “and it’s one of those things that now we get to focus on Philly.”

Parsons left the Texan team in exchange for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Schottenheimer revealed that were Clark not part of the package, the deal may well have fallen through. “He’s been playing in similar systems and has exposure to [defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’] system,” Schottenheimer said of the new signing. “He’s a pro. He’ll have no problem getting up to speed, so you should expect to see him out there [against Philadelphia].”

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Parsons signed a four-year, $188 million contract with Green Bay, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. At the Cowboys, he played in 63 games across four seasons and recorded 256 total tackles, 52.5 sacks, and 9 forced fumbles, while earning four straight Pro Bowl selections and the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

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