Brian Schottenheimer Cracks 'Let Russ Cook' Joke When Discussing Cowboys Running Game

A good one from Dallas' new head coach.
Schottenheimer speaks at his introductory press conference.
Schottenheimer speaks at his introductory press conference. / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys are hoping for better results in 2025 after parting ways with head coach Mike McCarthy last month. They've since promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to the position and will look to improve upon their uncharacteristically low 20.6 points per game scored last season, which was good for just 21st in the NFL.

More specifically, Dallas needs to get their run game going again. Using a running back by committee of Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliot and Deuce Vaughn, among others, in 2024, the Cowboys ranked just 27th in rushing yards (1,705) and 32nd in rushing touchdowns (six) in 2024.

Schottenheimer was asked about improving this aspect of the team's offense at the NFL scouting combine on Thursday. Before answering seriously, he cracked a pretty funny joke.

"I got in trouble for letting Russ cook a little bit back in Seattle," Schottenheimer said with a smile, referring to Russell Wilson—who was his quarterback while the OC of the Seahawks. "Some people got the joke, some people didn't."

For those unfamiliar, "Let Russ Cook" was a phrase used by NFL fans a few years ago who wanted the Seahawks to stop running the football all the time, and instead let Wilson take more control of the offense.

Schottenheimer then pivoted to his real answer.

“No, at the end of the day, you have to be able to run the football," he explained. "We’ve made a commitment that we want to be great on both sides of the line of scrimmage."

Dallas holds the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.


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Mike Kadlick
MIKE KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is a contributor to the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Before joining SI in November 2024, he covered the New England Patriots for WEEI sports radio in Boston and continues to do so for CLNS Media. He has a master's in public relations from Boston University. Kadlick is also an avid runner and a proud lover of all things pizza.