Throughout the Jason Garrett and Mike McCarthy Eras, the Dallas Cowboys have usually begun each training camp with a team motto. 

The most well-known of McCarthy’s regime were Carpe Omnia (Seize Everything) in 2023 and Rooted in 2024. For Garrett, it was “Fight” in 2014 and later, “Finish this Fight.” 

Under the tenth head coach in Cowboys history, Brian Schottenheimer, that’s gone. 

“I’ve been other places where there’s a theme of the year,” Schottenheimer told reporters on Monday. “I don’t believe in that. I believe you should have a central theme for your program, and that’s ‘compete every day.” 

He added “It’s not going to change.” 

So far, Schottenheimer has gathered glowing reviews from his players, who have all noted his staff’s energy. Talk about a change in culture has been a common theme and while that will matter little if it’s not followed by winning ballgames, it’s a glimpse into how the Cowboys head coach is running his team. 

A big “culture guy” not setting a theme for the team might come off as a surprise, but Schottenheimer’s message is crystal clear. He wants the team focused on competing and that’s it. 

“That’s not just on the practice field—that’s in the meeting rooms, it’s time away, being smart, things like that,” Schottenheimer added. “The guys that I’ve seen and been around, they’re excited. They’re excited to build off what we did in the spring.” 

Say what you want about Schottenheimer, one thing is clear: He knows exactly how he wants to run this team and he’s been thinking about it for years before he got a head coaching opportunity. 

The play-calling, game planning, and game management need to all follow. But so far, most of what we’ve seen from him has been a positive. 

“The motto is going to always be ‘compete every day,’ I mean, that’s what we’re all about,” Schottenheimer said.