The Dallas Cowboys were slow to begin their search for a new head coach this offseason.

Jerry Jones and the team waited until deep into the playoffs to part ways with Mike McCarthy, leaving them now seeking a leader to guide the franchise forward.

On Tuesday, the Cowboys conducted a surprising interview with a candidate few had anticipated.

Current offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer met with the team regarding its vacant head coaching position.

The Cowboys’ announcement on social media caught fans off guard, leading to widespread frustration and criticism online.

“If they actually hire a guy who’s not even a good offensive coordinator as head coach, I’m done,” one fan posted on X, previously known as Twitter.

“Huge L. If Schott gets the job over better candidates, I might not watch a single Cowboys game next season,” another fan commented.

Schottenheimer has served as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator for two seasons, stepping in after Kellen Moore’s departure.

While he lacks head coaching experience at the NFL level, he brings years of experience as an assistant, with stops as offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams, New York Jets, and Seattle Seahawks.

If chosen as head coach, it’s unclear whether Schottenheimer would take on play-calling duties or hire an offensive coordinator for that role.

However, it’s clear the Cowboys need a stronger offensive performance next season to secure a playoff return.

Schottenheimer joins a small pool of candidates interviewed by Dallas, including Seahawks assistant head coach Leslie Frazier, former Jets head coach Robert Saleh, and Moore, now the Eagles’ offensive coordinator.

Judging by their reactions, Cowboys fans are hoping the team opts for someone other than Schottenheimer as their next head coach.

Nonetheless, he had his opportunity to make his case to Jones and the front office, and now it’s up to them to make the tough call.