New Cowboys defensive assistant wants players to take ‘lungs on fire’ approach

The Dallas Cowboys were criticized for the selection of Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach. It seems he won over some of the doubters with a strong introductory presser followed by a collection of intriguing staff hires .

Schottenheimer brought in Matt Eberflus to coach the defense and Klayton Adams as his offensive coordinator. Those moves were met with praise but Dallas is also exciting the fan base after hiring several assistant coaches who know how to win a press conference.

MORE: Cowboys OC Klayton Adams to bring aggressive philosophy to Dallas

Defensive backs coach David Overstreet II had fans ready to watch the secondary return to form after an inspiring quote about creating turnovers. He’s since been joined by defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton who made it clear that he won’t put up with a lack of effort.

New Cowboys defensive assistant wants players to take 'lungs on fire' approach

New York Jets assistant coach Aaron Whitecotton / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Whitecotton laid out his expectations saying “sprint to the ball every time until your lungs are on fire, go back and do it again.”

Aaron Whitecotton is in no way kidding around when it comes to what he will demand of the #Cowboys defensive line.

This quote says a lot, but his tone in delivering it said that much more.

Learned under Robert Saleh, by the way. pic.twitter.com/4rxux7Z28S

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) February 18, 2025

The quote was shared by Patrik Walker, who points out that Whitecotton worked under Robert Saleh. The two were together for four seasons with the New York Jets and while they never lived up to expectations, they always had a strong defensive line — and Saleh is still a well-respected defensive coach.

Dallas has decisions to make on their D-line, with Osa Odighizuwa’s contract looming largest. We don’t know yet how it will all unfold but we know that no matter suits up for them in 2025, they’re going to be coached hard.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

6 late-round wide receivers Cowboys should monitor at NFL Combine

5 Cowboys who should see reduced roles in 2025 NFL season

Brian Schottenheimer’s full Cowboys coaching staff officially announced

Dallas Cowboys trade back, get help in trenches in 7-round mock draft

Cowboys predicted to make bold trade with Jets for star RB

Meet Abby Summers: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Rookie

Related Posts

🚨 BOMBSHELL GREEN BAY PACKERS CONNECTED TO PROSPECT THEY MAY HAVE TO TRADE UP FOR, insiders reveal the Packers are eyeing a highly coveted talent, with speculation swirling that they might need to make a bold move to secure him, fans are on edge as Green Bay prepares to make a game-changing decision in the upcoming draft 👇👇👇

Green Bay Packers Eyeing Offensive Guard Emmanuel Pregnon, Could Trade Up in 2026 NFL Draft As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Green Bay Packers have found…

🚨 BOMBSHELL CHIEFS MEETING WITH RISER WHO HAS ‘SHOT UP DRAFT BOARDS’: REPORT, insiders reveal the Chiefs are eyeing a rising star whose stock has skyrocketed, with experts saying this player could be a perfect fit for Kansas City’s needs, fans are on edge waiting to see if the Chiefs pull the trigger on this potential game-changer 👇👇👇

Getty Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will meet with a rising prospect ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Kansas City Chiefs are set to…

🚨BREAKING: “Shocking Turn of Events – Art Rooney II Visits Ohio, Then Goodell Calls Emergency Meeting with NFL Owners!” In a dramatic 12-hour span, Steelers owner Art Rooney’s unexpected visit to Ohio sets off a chain reaction, leading to an emergency meeting with all 32 NFL team owners. What was revealed afterward about Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposal has ignited fury within the Steelers community. What is the NFL planning, and how will this affect Pittsburgh’s future?👇👇

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Just 12 hours after the state of Ohio unexpectedly welcomed a visit from Art Rooney II, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called for an emergency meeting with all…

🚨 BOMBSHELL FAITH WARD’S DCC PONYTAIL IS GOING VIRAL—HERE’S WHY IT MATTERS, insiders reveal the iconic hairstyle is making waves not just for its style, but for the powerful statement it represents, fans are buzzing as Ward’s ponytail becomes a symbol of strength and confidence for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 👇👇👇

Faith Ward’s Ponytail Breaks Tradition, Making History with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders If you’re familiar with Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team or Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts, you…

🚨 BOMBSHELL MICAH PARSONS WHO? THE COWBOYS’ SECRET DRAFT BOARD IS LEAKED – WITH A THREE-ROUND MASTERPLAN, SNATCHING A TENNESSEE CB WHO RUNS A 4.38 AFTER AN ACL TEAR, insiders reveal the Cowboys are eyeing a hidden gem with elite speed, showing their bold approach to rebuilding the defense, fans are on edge as the Cowboys prepare to shake up the draft with this game-changing move 👇👇👇

With the 2026 NFL Draft just over a week away, the Dallas Cowboys are finalizing their boards and preparing for a critical offseason. The team, still feeling…

🚨BREAKING: “Chiefs, Brace Yourselves – Lockdown Artist Stuns with 7 INTs & 29 PBUs – Kansas City’s Next Great Cornerback Is Here!” Standing at 6’1” and 190 lbs, this cornerback just demolished college secondaries, proving he’s ready for the NFL. The Chiefs have their next defensive powerhouse. Will he be the key to their championship defense?👇👇

The Kansas City Chiefs have enough early draft capital in the 2026 NFL Draft to attack multiple roster needs, and one of the most important long-term questions…