Dallas, TX
3 biggest problem areas Cowboys next head coach needs to fix
Like every offseason, changes are certain for the Dallas Cowboys. New faces will take place of old ones via free agency and the NFL draft, but this year the biggest change will be who steps in as the new head coach replacing Mike McCarthy.
As of right now there is no clear favorite to become McCarthy’s replacement. But, the one thing we know for sure is whoever takes over as the new HC will try to implement what he deems best for the organization moving forward. Coming off an injury-plagued 7-10 losing season, whoever is in charge has their work cut out for them.
Today, we identify and discuss three of the Cowboys biggest problem areas during McCarthy’s tenure in Dallas that the new head coach needs to fix. If the new HC can fix these problem areas, he may be able to accomplish what McCarthy couldn’t by ending the Cowboys playoff curse in the not-too-distant future.
Cut down the penalties
The Cowboys were the most penalized team in the entire league in 2024. This of course isn’t a new problem for them. In Mike McCarthy’s five season as the HC in Dallas they’ve averaged a league-high 6.8 penalties per game, but where whistled for the eighth fewest penalties per game in the three seasons prior to his arrival. It’s already hard to win games in the NFL, even harder when continuously shooting yourself in the foot.
Penalties of course are going to happen, but it was obvious they happened more often for the Cowboys in McCarthy’s era as HC over the last half decade. Whoever takes over as the new HC in Dallas will have to figure out eliminating the amount of yellow laundry. It is a top priority for the next HC.
Fix red zone woes
It’s no secret the Cowboys struggled mightily this year in the red zone both offensively and defensively. Offensively, they ended up ranked 31st overall in red zone scoring efficiency at 46%. The fact that they also led the league in red zone turnover’s didn’t help either. The lack of innovative, creative play-calling and poor execution often times resulted in a Brandon Aubrey field goal instead of a touchdown.
Defensively they weren’t any better. They finished 32nd in the league in the red zone, allowing an opponents red zone scoring efficiency of 75%. Injuries of course played a big part in all of this, but it’s also been a problem area for them in the past as well. Hopefully whoever takes over for McCarthy finds some way to improve this problem area on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball moving forward.
Cultural change
There’s little to nothing a new HC can do about the chaotic, zoo-like atmosphere Jerry Jones has created for his team, but there is something he can do behind closed doors in the locker room to change the culture for his players. Look no further than what Dan Campbell did to the Detroit Lions when he took over as their HC. He demanded toughness and accountability from his players and it turned them from the laughingstock of the NFL to one of the better teams in just a few years time.
“Toughness” and “accountability” just so happens to be two things this organization seems to have been lacking under both Mike McCarthy’s and Jason Garrett’s tenure as HC. This is a team that has been called “soft” on numerous occasions in the past and hopefully that changes with whoever replaces McCarthy. While personnel changes via free agency and the draft will help, it mostly has to do with an attitude adjustment. After all, “attitude reflects leadership”, at least according to the movie Remember the Titans.
Kurt: Even though he is Dallas’ only 2026 draft pick to not sign yet, Lawrence’s current contract situation isn’t having any impact on the team’s culture and what Schottenheimer is trying to do.
There are specific restrictions set within the Collective Bargaining Agreement on how much each rookie can make, based on his draft position. The higher the draft slot, the higher the paycheck. Seems simple, right? However, there are a few items that can be negotiated, such as guaranteed money.
Which is where the Cowboys and Lawrence stand right now, although they’re not alone. Around the league, 15 of the top 21 overall picks have signed, but none of the rookies selected lower in the first round (Nos. 22-32) have inked a deal. Even though they basically have no leverage, they’re all waiting to see how things play out. Once one signs on the dotted line, the other dominoes should quickly fall.
In the meantime, it’s been business as usual for the coaching staff and players. Lawrence has been attending all the workouts and meetings, as well as generally being around to soak up Schottenheimer’s culture.
In other words, Cowboys fans can move right along; there is nothing to see here.Kurt:
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra announced its 2026 Parks Concert Series, a lineup of free performances scheduled at parks and community venues across Dallas this summer.
The annual series begins Monday, May 25, with the orchestra’s Memorial Day concert at Flag Pole Hill.
“Sharing music in Dallas-area parks is a highlight of our summer each year,” Michelle Miller Burns, Ross Perot president and CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, said in a statement. “There’s nothing quite like seeing our community come together to experience the joy of live music, and we are grateful for the opportunity to create these memorable moments across the city.”
Assistant Conductor Shira Samuels-Shragg, the Marena & Roger Gault Chair, will lead the Memorial Day performance. The program includes “America the Beautiful,” Morton Gould’s “Armed Forces Salute,” Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” selections from “Great American Songs,” the finale from Florence Price’s “Symphony No. 1,” and John Williams’ “Superman March,” among other pieces.
The orchestra said Samuels-Shragg will also conduct concerts at Fretz Park, Exall Park, Kidd Springs Park and Paul Quinn College.
According to the orchestra, all concerts are free and open to the public. The 2026 Parks Concert Series is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture and the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department.
The Memorial Day concert at Flag Pole Hill is scheduled to begin at 8:15 p.m. Monday, May 25, with fireworks planned for 9:15 p.m. In case of rain, the event will move to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
Additional concerts are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, June 2 — Fretz Park, 6950 Belt Line Road
- Wednesday, June 3 — Exall Park, 3501 Live Oak St.
- Friday, June 5 — Kidd Springs Park, 711 W. Canty St.
- Saturday, June 6 — Paul Quinn College, 3837 Simpson Stuart Road
All performances are scheduled for 8:15 p.m.
More information is available through the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Dallas is big Texas spirit personified.
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The city balances its historical past with its current identity as a Lone Star hub for its Wild West culture, unique arts district, JFK history, and, increasingly, as a hub for big businesses. (Some have started to call it Silicon Prairie.)
If you’ve visited Dallas before, you might already know that the city is also very well known for its restaurants, food trucks, and love of great eats. There are even wineries dotting the area around Dallas, giving residents access to delicious pinots, cabernets, and more.
Tex-Mex and barbecue are part of Dallas, just like its cowboy heritage. And you can take a bite out of this culture with a few city-crossing food tours. They let you sample beloved dishes from restaurants and food trucks you might not hear about otherwise.
If you want to taste true Texan culture, book one of these food tours in Dallas—or more. Food Tours of America is a well-known company that offers a few tours in a large-group setup, but you can also branch out into more indie territory, if you want.
Food tours in Dallas that deliver on great bites & culture
5 Local Food Tastings in Deep Ellum (Secret Food Tours)
Deep Ellum is one of Dallas’s most popular neighborhoods because it has a long history, an artistic and creative feel, and is home to some of the city’s best bars. It’s also a gastronomic hub where you can sample city staples, from brisket to Tex-Mex. Think: great eats, a bit of history, and street art galore.
Deep Ellum Foodie & Street Art Tour (Food Tours of America)
This is a similar tour to the first one listed. You’ll get a fantastic balance of history, street art, and food tastings from eateries around Deep Ellum. Both tour groups (Secret Food Tours and Food Tours of America) are highly rated and have plenty of experience. They also cost almost the same price.
JFK Food & Culture Walking Tour (Food Tours of America)
Visitors usually get an earful (or two) about JFK when touring Dallas. If you want to dive a bit deeper into President John F. Kennedy’s life and legacy in the city while also savoring local flavors, look no further. You get to see important landmarks like Dealey Plaza and the Grassy Knoll between food tastings. Perfect for history buffs with an appetite.
Uptown Eats Trolley Tour (Food Tours of America)
Prefer to be ferried around by trolley instead of walking during a food tour? Here’s your perfect tour. You board a vintage trolley, then cruise through Dallas’s lovely Uptown neighborhood. Along the way, you’ll stop to sample diverse eats from some of Dallas’s top local haunts. The tour also includes a VIP look at the McKinney Avenue Trolley Car Barn.
5-Course Walking Food Tour in Dallas + History (Incloodie Food Tour)
Foodies, assemble! This is a small-group tour with a focus on Dallas culture that can be tasted through its top cuisine. In other words, you’ll sample a diverse range of eats that showcase the people who make Dallas what it is. Make sure you come hungry—this is a five-course tour, as the title says. You can also request gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Dallas Flavor & History Tour (Fun Texas Tours)
You can choose from two or four-hour tours on this straightforward option. The tour includes transportation in a climate-controlled van. You also stop at historical and cultural sights along the way.
Downtown Dallas Historic Food Tour: Taste What Dallas Invented (Incloodie Food Tour)
This three-hour walking tour takes you through Downtown Dallas and its Historic West End. Along the way, you’ll stop to eat some of Dallas’s most iconic dishes that originate in the city, including homemade Tex-Mex bites, BBQ, and more. Between stops to eat, you’ll learn about important historical monuments and markers.
Grapevine Foodie and Winery Tour (Food Tours of America)
Head to the scenic historic Grapevine area, just outside the city of Dallas. (The tour below is also based in Grapevine.) You can explore the downtown area as you go on a gastronomic journey that includes famous Dallas dishes, like brisket. You also get to visit a boutique winery and taproom to sample premium Texas wines.
Grapevine’s Wine & Chocolate Happy Hour (Grapevine Food Tours)
Head to Grapevine—this time, with a sweeter journey at your destination. This tour includes access to two wineries on Historic Main Street in Grapevine, along with a range of chocolate pairings to enjoy. You also get to learn about sabering, which is the art of lobbing off a champagne’s bottles top with a sharp saber.
1-Hour Distillery and Tasting Tour in Dallas (New Artisan Distillery)
I’m rounding off this list with two boozy tours. The first is a distillery tour where you get to dive deep into the art of crafting gin and bourbon. The tour is hosted at the New Artisan Distillery and is designed to be an experience. You’ll learn about distillation, then get to sample products in a Glencairn tasting glass in a classy tasting room.
Downtown Dallas Cocktail Crawl (Food Tours of America)
This cocktail crawl gives you plenty of culture to enjoy. You’ll walk from location to location in the AT&T Discovery District, doing some sightseeing on the way. At each spot, you get to sample a hand-crafted cocktail, sometimes paired with bites, as you learn about the city and its favorite flavors.
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