Brian Schottenheimer fires back at Mike Tomlin for ‘dead’ remarks after Dallas Cowboys stars hold players-only meeting

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has responded to criticism from former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin regarding a recent defensive players-only meeting. Tomlin stated on the New Heights podcast that public knowledge of such meetings means a team is "dead." However, Schottenheimer defended the gathering, stating that he "loved it" and believed the best teams are driven by locker room leadership.

The meeting was organized by 26-year-old linebacker DeMarvion Overshown following Dallas's 24-16 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Overshown described the session as an open discussion about setting standards. The Cowboys, who currently hold a 2-3 record in the 2026 season, will travel to face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in their next matchup.