The Cowboys’ offseason has been anything but quiet. Behind closed doors, Jerry Jones is orchestrating a chess match, shuffling pieces to reignite a stagnant offense. Whispers of fresh faces and familiar connections swirl around The Star. One move, in particular, hints at a deeper strategy—a gamble on stability for their star quarterback. But who’s the wild card in this high-stakes game?

On February 10, the Cowboys confirmed the promotion of offensive assistant Steve Shimko to quarterbacks coach. ESPN’s Todd Archer reported the news, noting Shimko’s existing rapport with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. “Shimko—well thought of by Brian Schottenheimer and Dak Prescott, among others in Dallas—spent time previously with Schottenheimer in Seattle,” tweeted SI’s Albert Breer.

Shimko, who joined Dallas in 2024 after a one-year stint as Boston College’s offensive coordinator, now faces his biggest test: refining Prescott’s game. But this isn’t just another staff change.

Shimko becomes Dak Prescott’s sixth quarterbacks coach in nine seasons—a jarring stat for a franchise craving consistency. His task? Merge his college play-calling experience with Schottenheimer’s pro-style schemes. Besides, the early returns are promising.

In 2023, Shimko’s Boston College offense ranked top-15 nationally in rushing, a trait Dallas desperately needs to revive. With coaching changes settled, Jones now shifts focus to roster upgrades.

A leaky offensive line and inconsistent run game plagued Dallas in 2024. Free agent targets like RB Josh Jacobs linger, but cap constraints complicate signings. Still, Prescott’s new brain trust might be the ultimate X-factor. But Jones didn’t stop there.

A familiar face with a proven pedigree to Prescott’s rescue?

Days earlier, the Cowboys snagged former Bills and Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey as their pass-game specialist. Dorsey, who helped mold Josh Allen into an MVP candidate during his Buffalo tenure, brings a mix of brilliance and baggage. His 2024 Browns offense ranked dead last in scoring (15.2 PPG), yet his work with Allen (fourth in EPA per drop back from 2019-2023) can’t be ignored. Dorsey’s role?

Inject creativity into a Cowboys passing attack that sputtered down the stretch in 2024. “[He] will be tasked with watching film and being a scheme generalist,” reported Josina Anderson. Translation: Dorsey’s job is to unlock Prescott’s ceiling while Shimko handles the day-to-day mechanics. Now, the Shimko-Dorsey duo is a calculated risk.

Shimko’s familiarity with Schottenheimer’s system offers continuity, while Dorsey’s outsider perspective challenges complacency. For Prescott, it’s a chance to blend structure with innovation. After Prescott’s $60 million-per-year extension in 2024, Dallas can’t afford missteps. However, Dorsey’s recent struggles in Cleveland loom large.

Working with a broken Deshaun Watson and a carousel of backup QBs, his play-calling drew criticism. But his Buffalo résumé—where Allen’s 2022 MVP-caliber season peaked under his guidance—suggests upside. Can Dorsey replicate that magic with Prescott?

Schottenheimer seems to think so. Meanwhile, Shimko’s rise from JUCO coordinator to NFL QB coach mirrors Prescott’s underdog journey. Both men understand grinding through obscurity. That shared ethos could fuel Prescott’s resurgence.

The Cowboys haven’t reached an NFC title game since 1995. For Prescott, the pressure is palpable. Shimko and Dorsey represent his latest lifeline—a blend of continuity and creativity. But in a league where close isn’t enough, can these moves finally push Dallas over the hump? Or will Jerry Jones’ gamble fold under the weight of expectations? Only time—and touchdowns—will tell.