Former Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien is anticipated to leave the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff, as reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Tolzien served as the quarterbacks coach under former head coach Mike McCarthy, who was recently dismissed after the 2024 season. Rapoport also noted that Tolzien’s contract expired at the end of the season.
Following the firing of McCarthy, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and management decided to elevate offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach, who has yet to finalize his coaching staff.
Tolzien held the position of quarterbacks coach for the Cowboys from 2022 to 2023, having initially joined the team as an offensive assistant from 2020 to 2022. His coaching career began as an analyst at Wisconsin in 2019.
The ex-Badger transitioned into coaching after a seven-year NFL career that included time with the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and Indianapolis Colts, primarily as a backup. His playing career featured 10 games, four starts, a passing record of 88 completions on 146 attempts, 1,065 yards, two touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
After five seasons with the Badgers (2006-2010), where he started for two years, Tolzien led the team to solid records of 10-3 and 11-2 in 2009 and 2010, boasting a completion rate of 68.1%, 5,271 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions.
Dak Prescott experienced a standout year under Tolzien’s guidance in 2023, completing 69.5% of his passes for 4,516 yards, with 36 touchdowns and nine interceptions, contributing to the Cowboys’ 12-5 record before a playoff exit against the Packers.
In 2024, Prescott played only eight games due to a hamstring injury, while backup Cooper Rush led the team to a 4-4 finish. Tolzien has earned a positive reputation for his coaching of both quarterbacks.
Now, Tolzien is on the lookout for his next coaching opportunity, and Rapoport suggests that he is unlikely to remain without a position for long.
