How Brian Schottenheimer broke the Cowboys head coach news to his family

New Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer says his first calls after getting the job offer were to his wife and mother. 

While Brian made the calls to his wife and mom, it was Jerry Jones who broke the news. 

What they're saying:

Gemmi Schottenheimer told FOX 4 how she got the news that her husband would be the next head Cowboys coach.

"He called me, and I said, ‘Hello.’  And he said, ‘Hey, babe. I have someone who wants to talk to you.’ And it was Jerry and Stephen on the phone. I didn't even talk to him for him to tell me the news, actually. Jerry did," she recalled. "I got out of his truck and started saying, ‘Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!’ I didn't have anyone to talk to. I was by myself, but it was really special."

A dream come true

Gemmi met Brian while working for his dad, Marty, when he coached the Washington Redskins (renamed the Washington Commanders in 2022).

"Brian always referred to Marty as ‘coach’ in the office," she said. "He never wanted to be treated any differently, very professional. But yet, when we were at the dinner table, it was ‘Dad.’"

Gemmi says Brian carried a notecard in his wallet that he had since his days playing college football.

"It's written in pencil, and it was his dream and aspiration to be the youngest NFL head coach," she said.

While Brian wanted this to happen at age 32, the journey took much longer. Now, at age 51, it is even sweeter. 

"We've been together 25 years. It is a dream come true," Gemmi said. "He's been training for this his whole life."

‘He's built for this'

Brian’s mom, Patricia Schottenheimer, says he began training for this day as a child. 

"When Marty was coaching, they had the projectors with the tapes and the plays. And my kids would sit in Marty's office and run the projector and look at plays. He was 7, 8, 9. He's built for this," she said. "Brian told me he's going to win a Super Bowl for his dad. ‘Daddy never got one. I'm getting one for us. It will be for him.’"

Patricia and Gemmi say they couldn’t be prouder of Brian and his new role.

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"I'm so proud of him. You all don't know him well yet, but he is a good man," Patricia said. "Oh, he’s such a good man."

"It could not have happened to a better man. He is all the things that are good and right in this world," Gemmi said.

Schottenheimer's mom says some of the qualities that will benefit the team are his honesty and energy. 

The Source: Information in this article comes from interviews with Brian Schottenheimer's family members.

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