Latest news with #Odighizuwa
New York Times
09-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Brian Schottenheimer on the job: Building culture, balancing being head coach, play caller
After finalizing a four-year, $80 million deal to remain with the Dallas Cowboys last month, Osa Odighizuwa got a congratulatory phone call from Brian Schottenheimer. But the team's new head coach wanted to do more for the defensive tackle. He found out the restaurant Odighizuwa was going to celebrate with family and friends later that night and sent over a bottle of champagne. Advertisement 'We have the guy we want,' Odighizuwa said before recently sharing that story on the 'Up & Adams Show.' 'The team, the locker room loves Schotty. I think that's part of where it starts. He's a smart guy. And just the person that he is, he's a good dude. 'He's the kind of coach that you can run through a wall for.' That might have been a surprising move by some coaches, but gestures like that seem to line up with what Schottenheimer is all about. 'I'm really good with X's and O's,' Schottenheimer said during his introductory news conference at The Star in late January, 'but I'm great with people.' His goal is to use those people skills to build a strong culture within the team. 'Because it's what matters,' he said last week from the annual league meeting. 'This is all really fun and cool, the cameras and everything, but let's be honest, there's going to be some s—– days. This is the National Football League. It's going to be tough. If you preach that you're a family, and if you preach that 'I love you, I care about you,' then why wouldn't you take steps to get to know people?' Schottenheimer said half of his day during this time of year is spent reaching out to players, building that family atmosphere. 'I don't want to talk to these guys right now about football,' he said. 'The biggest mistake people make, and I'm guilty of it looking back, is you think, 'I got to get all the football in. I got to get those plays in. That's a great route combination.' That's overrated. It's overrated. It's a people business. We want to spend time getting to know one another and building this culture, which is going to be about competing every day to make these guys the best versions of themselves. Not just as football players, but as a husband, as a father, as a Christian, whatever it is, musician if that's what they want. It's important to me.' Advertisement Schottenheimer wasn't the initial favorite to replace Mike McCarthy. He had been in the building the previous three seasons, including the last two as offensive coordinator. But Cowboys owner Jerry Jones thought of Schottenheimer as more likely to be the team's next offensive play caller. The more conversations they had during the coaching search, the more Jones thought he had found his next play caller and head coach. 'I like his football knowledge,' Jones said at the league meeting. 'I like his demeanor. I think for 51 years old, he has the most unbelievable background in volume of NFL experience, because he's been on that many staffs. He's been around it that long. That plus the fact that we got to work with him and be around him for three years let us have a good feel for how he works with players. The players' input about what kind of coach and how much confidence they have in him, how he handles solving problems, both on and off the field, people skills, all of that, we had a real good read. 'As we got more involved, the more I looked at it, the more I felt, 'Wait a minute here, we might have an opportunity to take advantage of all the things I've just mentioned.' So, I'm glad to have him.' There shouldn't be much doubt about how Schottenheimer will handle things behind the scenes. The expectation is that it will be a well-run program where he will let the front office, scouts and assistant coaches do their jobs. He's been around the NFL as an assistant for 25 years. He has a good idea of how to successfully structure a program. The biggest question will be how he handles calling the offensive plays while also being head coach. That's a lot to ask of even a veteran head coach. How he performs in that area really won't be known until the games begin in September. How will he handle late-game situations like clock management, challenges, etc.? These are the same questions that will have to be answered by other new head coaches, like Ben Johnson with the Chicago Bears. Just because he was an outstanding offensive coordinator doesn't guarantee he'll be a great head coach. There's just so much more on your plate when you have both jobs. Advertisement The first thing Schottenheimer mentioned when asked last week about the challenges of being a play caller and first-year head coach was 'using your time wisely.' 'Making sure you spend enough time touching all the departments,' he added. 'That's been something I've spent quite a bit of time on early on. The good news for me is the offensive side of it is going to have some changes, but not as many as most first-time head coaches. And the benefit for me, quite honestly, is having been here, I know all the pieces. So like talking to some of the other first-time head coaches, if they need to get something done from a contractual standpoint, they're learning the names. If they have to get something done with travel, they're learning, 'OK, who do I go to?' I know all those people. That's good.' A key for him has been having constant communication with defensive coordinator and former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, offensive coordinator Klayton Adams and special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen. It's all part of his time management process. 'We have conversations every day,' Schottenheimer said. 'But it becomes a lot and as you get into the draft, you have to put things into buckets. So the bucket that's coming up very quickly is going to be the draft. Our players are coming back. I can't wait to get them back in the building. 'If you don't know how to manage your time, this is not a good profession to be in.'
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Gridiron to Gala: Cowboys $80 million man shows up big for worthiest of causes
Gold gowns, sharp suits, and the kind of electricity that only happens when purpose meets celebration. The Odighizuwa Foundation's inaugural gala on Saturday night in Frisco, TX wasn't just another fancy event—it was a glimpse at what's possible when athletes pour into something bigger than themselves. And the foundation's founder himself, Osa Odighizuwa? His profession might be football, but his purpose runs deeper. At its core, the Odighizuwa Foundation exists to show up for single-parent families — providing resources, creating access, uplifting through education, and offering the kind of support that empowers both single parents and their children to thrive. Since its establishment, the organization has launched initiatives to assist with household needs, provide support groups and educational tools to parents, and offer mentorship and scholarships to children. They've hosted community events, helped secure essentials like Chromebooks and internet access, and remained rooted in the belief that resources and support can literally change lives. Advertisement Odighizuwa, who called the Foundation's mission 'deeply personal,' has become the face of the organization as its most high-profile founder. But on Saturday night, he made space to amplify the voices of community leaders whose stories illustrated the why behind the work. Debra Nixon-Bowles, Founder & CEO of Women Called Moses, gave a stirring testimony on how supporting single-parent families isn't just about mentorship and meals. It's about breaking cycles that often lead to homelessness, psychological distress, school dropouts, and incarceration. Keynote speaker Vita Flores, a financial literacy educator, spoke candidly about her own journey — how a desire to help her mother escape poverty led her down a path that ended with a federal prison sentence. Her story wasn't just powerfu; it was proof that transformation is possible with the right kind of support. Throughout the night, Odighizuwa moved through the room with gratitude and pride, shaking hands, giving hugs, and thanking guests who believe in the vision. Advertisement The guest list included several Dallas Cowboys notables, including tight ends coach Lunda Wells and quarterback Dak Prescott who, true to form, came through in the clutch during the live auction. When the bidding on one package needed a little extra push, a quiet conversation between Prescott and Odighizuwa led to a quick remix of the offer. The result? The Cowboys Experience item more than doubled in value. 'Dak was just helping me to get a little bit more,' Odighizuwa said. 'We were talking about the Cowboys package. It was a little bit modest. He said, 'You know we could double what we got going on and get a little bit more money.' He whispered that in my ear, and I relayed it to the auctioneer.' That display of teamwork happened during dinner, but other Cowboys stepped up in different ways to support the cause. Micah Parsons shared, via social media, that he made a donation to the Odighizuwa Foundation, and Odighizuwa commented that several teammates purchased tickets although they were unable to attend. Osa Odighizuwa has the respect of his peers and the heart of a man committed to more than stats and sacks. Saturday night wasn't just a win for his foundation. It was a statement. Advertisement Still, the work continues. The Odighizuwa Foundation is still working toward its annual fundraising goals and preparing for future events and initiatives. To donate, view upcoming auction items, or learn more about the organization, visit and follow @odighizuwafoundation on Instagram. This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys DT Osa Odighizuwa hosts local gala for important cause
USA Today
30-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Gridiron to Gala: Cowboys $80 million man shows up big for worthiest of causes
Gridiron to Gala: Cowboys $80 million man shows up big for worthiest of causes Gold gowns, sharp suits, and the kind of electricity that only happens when purpose meets celebration. The Odighizuwa Foundation's inaugural gala on Saturday night in Frisco, TX wasn't just another fancy event—it was a glimpse at what's possible when athletes pour into something bigger than themselves. And the foundation's founder himself, Osa Odighizuwa? His profession might be football, but his purpose runs deeper. At its core, the Odighizuwa Foundation exists to show up for single-parent families — providing resources, creating access, uplifting through education, and offering the kind of support that empowers both single parents and their children to thrive. Since its establishment, the organization has launched initiatives to assist with household needs, provide support groups and educational tools to parents, and offer mentorship and scholarships to children. They've hosted community events, helped secure essentials like Chromebooks and internet access, and remained rooted in the belief that resources and support can literally change lives. Odighizuwa, who called the Foundation's mission 'deeply personal,' has become the face of the organization as its most high-profile founder. But on Saturday night, he made space to amplify the voices of community leaders whose stories illustrated the why behind the work. Debra Nixon-Bowles, Founder & CEO of Women Called Moses, gave a stirring testimony on how supporting single-parent families isn't just about mentorship and meals. It's about breaking cycles that often lead to homelessness, psychological distress, school dropouts, and incarceration. Keynote speaker Vita Flores, a financial literacy educator, spoke candidly about her own journey — how a desire to help her mother escape poverty led her down a path that ended with a federal prison sentence. Her story wasn't just powerfu; it was proof that transformation is possible with the right kind of support. Throughout the night, Odighizuwa moved through the room with gratitude and pride, shaking hands, giving hugs, and thanking guests who believe in the vision. The guest list included several Dallas Cowboys notables, including tight ends coach Lunda Wells and quarterback Dak Prescott who, true to form, came through in the clutch during the live auction. When the bidding on one package needed a little extra push, a quiet conversation between Prescott and Odighizuwa led to a quick remix of the offer. The result? The Cowboys Experience item more than doubled in value. 'Dak was just helping me to get a little bit more,' Odighizuwa said. 'We were talking about the Cowboys package. It was a little bit modest. He said, 'You know we could double what we got going on and get a little bit more money.' He whispered that in my ear, and I relayed it to the auctioneer.' That display of teamwork happened during dinner, but other Cowboys stepped up in different ways to support the cause. Micah Parsons shared, via social media, that he made a donation to the Odighizuwa Foundation, and Odighizuwa commented that several teammates purchased tickets although they were unable to attend. Osa Odighizuwa has the respect of his peers and the heart of a man committed to more than stats and sacks. Saturday night wasn't just a win for his foundation. It was a statement. Still, the work continues. The Odighizuwa Foundation is still working toward its annual fundraising goals and preparing for future events and initiatives. To donate, view upcoming auction items, or learn more about the organization, visit and follow @odighizuwafoundation on Instagram.
New York Times
10-03-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Dallas Cowboys free agency tracker: Jourdan Lewis departure makes CB a bigger priority
It's the question most Dallas Cowboys fans want answered: Will the Cowboys be serious players in free agency this week? History tells us they will not be. But their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, spent some money a year ago and look where it got them. Is that enough to get Jerry Jones to open the checkbook this week? Executive VP Stephen Jones said the Cowboys' approach would be 'selectively aggressive.' Jerry Jones said last week that aggressive was not the right word. Advertisement We'll see how things go. The Cowboys have been active the past week: • They re-signed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year, $80 million contract. • Cleared about $57 million in cap space by restructuring the contracts of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. … A very large contract is in Micah Parsons' future. • Brought back special teams ace C.J. Goodwin and Zack Martin's likely replacement in Brock Hoffman on one-year deals. • The Cowboys also agreed to terms on a three-year deal, worth up to $12 million, with safety Markquese Bell. Safety Juanyeh Thomas and defensive end Tyrus Wheat both signed one-year deals to remain in Dallas. Live updates: Free-agent news from across the NFL Potential Cowboys targets: Tier 1 and Tier 2 and 3 options Best available: Who's still on the market? / Top 10 at each position Here is our running list of Dallas free-agency news that we will update throughout free agency as things happen. The legal tampering period begins Monday at 12 p.m. ET and teams can officially sign free agents Wednesday when the new league year begins. When: March 10 After spending his first eight NFL seasons in Dallas, Lewis will play with another team after agreeing to terms with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple reports. What it means: Losing Lewis is a tough blow to the Cowboys, who drafted the 29-year-old cornerback out of Michigan in the third round in 2017. Lewis returned from a career-threatening injury in 2022 to play at a high level the past two seasons. He became the pillar of consistency in the secondary, as both Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland dealt with their own extended absences due to injuries. Cornerback now becomes an even bigger need this offseason. The Cowboys have Bland, who is going into a contract year and will command a big payday soon, but very little stability otherwise. Diggs' return from his late-season injury last year could stretch throughout training camp and possibly into the early part of the regular season. Advertisement When: March 4 What it means: Saad Yousuf writes: Odighizuwa's value to the Cowboys is amplified by circumstances. Without Odighizuwa, the Cowboys would have had virtually no semblance of surety at defensive tackle. Two years since he was drafted in the first round, Mazi Smith has been a disappointment, and no other player has emerged to be more than a rotational piece. Odighizuwa is an anchor player, the type of defensive tackle the Cowboys would be trying to get, if they had to replace him. GO DEEPER Cowboys, Osa Odighizuwa agree to 4-year deal, avoid franchise tag (Top photo of Jourdan Lewis: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
New York Times
09-03-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Dallas Cowboys free agency tracker: Will Jerry Jones buck recent history and spend big?
It's the question most Dallas Cowboys fans want answered: Will the Cowboys be serious players in free agency this week? History tells us they will not be. But their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, spent some money a year ago and look where it got them. Is that enough to get Jerry Jones to open the checkbook this week? Executive VP Stephen Jones said the Cowboys' approach would be 'selectively aggressive.' Jerry Jones said last week that aggressive was not the right word. Advertisement We'll see how things go. The Cowboys have been active the past week: • They re-signed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year, $80 million contract. • Cleared about $57 million in cap space by restructuring the contracts of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. … A very large contract is in Micah Parsons' future. • Brought back special teams ace C.J. Goodwin and Zack Martin's likely replacement in Brock Hoffman on one-year deals. Live updates: Free-agent news from across the NFL Potential Cowboys targets: Tier 1 and Tier 2 and 3 options Best available: Who's still on the market? / Top 10 at each position Here is our running list of Dallas free-agency news that we will update throughout free agency as things happen. The legal tampering period begins Monday at 12 p.m. ET and teams can officially sign free agents Wednesday when the new league year begins. When: March 4 What it means: Saad Yousuf writes: Odighizuwa's value to the Cowboys is amplified by circumstances. Without Odighizuwa, the Cowboys would have had virtually no semblance of surety at defensive tackle. Two years since he was drafted in the first round, Mazi Smith has been a disappointment, and no other player has emerged to be more than a rotational piece. Odighizuwa is an anchor player, the type of defensive tackle the Cowboys would be trying to get, if they had to replace him. GO DEEPER Cowboys, Osa Odighizuwa agree to 4-year deal, avoid franchise tag (Top photo of Osa Odighizuwa: Brandon Sloter / Image Of Sport / Getty Images)
