Michael Irvin rips Cowboys for Brian Schottenheimer hire: ‘We lost an opportunity’

A beloved Dallas Hall of Famer isn’t in support of the franchise’s newest move.

The Cowboys hired former Dallas offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as their head coach Friday to begin a new era for the organization after five years under Mike McCarthy.

Michael Irvin made it known that he is not a fan of the decision in a near 20-minute YouTube video posted Saturday night.

Michael Irvin voices his opinion of the Cowboys’ hiring of Brian Schottenheimer in a YouTube video Saturday. YouTube @michaelirvin

Rather than an inside promotion, Irvin desired to see outside influence come into the organization.

“You’re bringing in someone that was already inside as the head coach,” Irvin said. “You lose things there that you can’t grab back, that I’m worried about. … They don’t have curfew. They don’t have discipline. So, how do you fix that? How do you do that when you’re coming from inside?”

“Here’s my issue: We lost an opportunity,” he continued. “I was pushing for Deion Sanders to be the head coach. And I still stand 10 toes down on that push.”

Irvin has shown continuous support for Sanders’ hiring. The two played together in Dallas from 1995-99 and won the 1996 Super Bowl together over the Steelers, 27-17.

The three-time Super Bowl champ and five-time Pro Bowler also voiced concerns about the “America’s team” nickname taking a credibility hit.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders, left, and running back Michael Irvin (88) share the Vince Lombardi trophy as NBC commentator Greg Gumbel interviews the two after Super Bowl XXX in Tempe, Ariz., Sunday, Jan. 28, 1996. AP

Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer looks on from the sidelines during an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. AP

“How can they pass it down when they don’t even know about it?” Irvin said. “In 10 years, that would have been a generation that knows nothing about a championship from the so-called ‘America’s Team.’”

Irvin additionally showed frustration over the Cowboys following behind in comparison to their NFC East rivals, specifically noting of the Eagles-Commanders conference championship matchup Sunday.

“We’re losing ground in this NFC,” he said.

Schottenheimer, who served under McCarthy for two years as the offensive coordinator, has reportedly signed a four-year contract for his first head coaching job.

The 51-year-old previously held roles as offensive coordinator with the Jets (2006-11), the Rams (2012-14), and the Seahawks (2018-20).

Irvin’s worries come after spending his entire 12-year career in Dallas after he was drafted by the team in 1988 as the 11th overall pick.

Michael Irvin (88), turns upfield, after making reception against Giants on Sept. 21, 1998. New York Post

The wideout won three Super Bowl rings with the franchise and earned his first Pro Bowl nod with a 1,523-yard season that includes eight touchdowns in 1991.

He was later inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant also has voiced his displeasure with the hire.