NFL executives predict Brian Schottenheimer will win coach of the year

ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler published roster predictions from NFL executives on Tuesday, listing Brian Schottenheimer as a favorite for the 2026 NFL Coach of the Year award. While the projection represents a consensus among the polled personnel, the results were described as a tight race with no single candidate pulling away from other finalists. Schottenheimer led the Dallas Cowboys to a 7-9 record last season and missed the playoffs in his first year at the helm. Executives cited the potential for a strong performance from Dak Prescott and anticipated improvements on the defensive side of the ball as reasons for the optimism. An NFC scout noted that the team holds a realistic chance to contend for the NFC East title if the roster maintains health throughout the upcoming season.

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