OXNARD, Calif. — The tactical part of football came easy to Brian Schottenheimer, but the other aspects of what it takes to be a head coach had to be developed before finally getting the opportunity he always wanted with the Dallas Cowboys this season.

The philosophical, organizational and interpersonal pieces came to him during and after Schottenheimer’s three-season stint as offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks under then-coach Pete Carroll, which in turn set the stage for the 51-year-old Schottenheimer to get his chance.

The foundation was set when Schottenheimer arrived in Seattle. Carroll recognized Schottenheimer, the son of longtime NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer, knew how to draw up an offensive scheme.

“He goes, ‘But do you really know what you believe in?’ Like,

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