I started the conversation three or four years ago, returning each year since, in explaining why the Cowboys don't sign external free agents. They conduct football

After the Cowboys parted ways with former head coach Mike McCarthy, Sanders was a name that was linked to the role, but he was never formally interviewed. Schottenheimer, who along with Robert Saleh and Kellen Moore, was the only other name on the short list of candidates and he was offered an interview.

The Dallas Cowboys have named Brian Schottenheimer their next head coach, opting for a familiar face close to home.