# Dallas Cowboys coaching and performance scrutiny > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dallas-cowboys-coaching-and-performance-scrutiny > Updated: 2026-10-24T22:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. The Dallas Cowboys are experiencing internal turmoil and external criticism following a poor start to the season. Following a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team held a players-only meeting to address defensive struggles, a move criticized by former coach Mike Tomlin, who suggested a team is “dead” when resorting to such meetings. As the season progressed, head coach Brian Schottenheimer faced intensified scrutiny regarding offensive consistency and in-game decision-making. Despite possessing high-caliber talent, the team struggled to score, leading to backlash against Schottenheimer’s self-assessment as an ‘elite play-caller.’ Public sentiment has turned sharply against the coaching staff, with fan polls indicating a majority believe owner Jerry Jones should fire Schottenheimer. While Schottenheimer’s position remains under pressure, the team’s struggles are compounded by a losing record and the departure of key defensive players. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer faces intense scrutiny Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer faces mounting pressure from fans and analysts following offensive struggles and controversial comments regarding his coaching abilities. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dallas-cowboys-coach-brian-schottenheimer-faces-intense-scrutiny ### 2026-10-16: Dallas Cowboys face criticism following players-only meeting The Dallas Cowboys face criticism from Mike Tomlin and Keyshawn Johnson following a players-only meeting amid a 2-3 start and defensive struggles. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dallas-cowboys-face-criticism-following-players-only-meeting --- Cite as: Dallas Cowboys coaching and performance scrutiny. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dallas-cowboys-coaching-and-performance-scrutiny