Schottenheimer says he'll 'be better' after meeting with Jones over late-game calls

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he remains "aligned" with owner Jerry Jones and pledged to improve after facing scrutiny over late-game coaching decisions in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, according to ESPN.

Schottenheimer's in-game choices during the fourth quarter of Sunday's defeat drew criticism, prompting a meeting with Jones to discuss the team's approach in close, high-leverage situations. Following that conversation, Schottenheimer told reporters he would "be better," a comment widely read as an acknowledgment that his decision-making in the closing minutes needs to improve.

Pressure mounting on first-year approach

The exchange comes amid broader questions about how Schottenheimer manages games in critical moments, an area that often draws outsized attention when a team suffers a narrow or late loss. Jones, who has a long history of taking an active role in evaluating the Cowboys' coaching staff, has previously been willing to weigh in publicly on decisions he disagrees with.

Schottenheimer's comments suggest the coaching staff is treating the Ravens loss as a teaching moment rather than a signal of a deeper rift with ownership. He characterized his relationship with Jones as intact despite the setback.

ESPN's report did not detail the specific fourth-quarter decisions that prompted the criticism, nor did it include further comment from Jones beyond the confirmation that the two had met.

The Cowboys will look to apply lessons from the loss as they continue their season, with Schottenheimer's in-game management likely to remain under close watch in the coming weeks.