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

🚨STEELERS SHOCKER: Linked to a Mysterious, High-Upside QB in Explosive Trade Whispers—Who’s the Secret Target That Could Flip the Franchise Overnight?! 👇

IMAGE: Imagn Images The signs are pointing towards Aaron Rodgers taking the helm as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2026. Yet, whether Rodgers suits up or…

🚨SHOCKING REVELATION: Mike Tomlin’s Future Takes Dramatic Turn—From Steelers Legend to TV Stardom or Hidden Comeback Plot? Insiders Drop Bombshell Update That Changes Everything! 👇

IMAGE: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin look on against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. / Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images Mike…

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: SCHOTTENHEIMER SHARES INSIGHT ON PICKENS’ CONTRACT SITUATION — As extension talks heat up, Schottenheimer confidently claims they’ll unfold as expected. Will Pickens’ future with the team be secured, or are the Steelers facing a tough decision ahead? The clock is ticking for both sides..ll 👇👇👇

🚨 COWBOYS FACING POTENTIAL DRAMA WITH GEORGE PICKENS: FRANCHISE TAG AND HOLDOUT RISK AHEAD 👇 As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2026 offseason, the attention…

🚨 SAINTS JUST GOT ONE STEP CLOSER TO A DEREK CARR RETURN, wіth new reрortѕ ѕuggeѕtіng thаt the quаrterbаck’ѕ future іn New Orleаnѕ іѕ lookіng more lіkely аfter recent negotіаtіonѕ. The рotentіаl reunіon could ѕolіdіfy the Sаіntѕ’ offenѕe for 2026, brіngіng ѕtаbіlіty аnd leаderѕhір to the teаm’ѕ QB рoѕіtіon. 👇👇

Derek Cаrr retіrіng never reаlly felt lіke the fіnаl verdіct. There wаѕ аn oddly tіmed іnjury аnd іmmedіаte queѕtіonѕ аround hіѕ juѕtіfіcаtіon аround leаvіng. From the moment…

🚨“Talks Have Been Had”—Steelers Aggressively Pursuing Blockbuster Trade for Surprise WR Star to Ignite Their Offense! 👇

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quest for a true threat across from D.K. Metcalf has dominated offseason headlines, and now a new report from a local insider has fans…

🚨 REPORT: COWBOYS TARGETING EAGLES STAR FOR DEFENSIVE UPGRADE — Dallas is reportedly set to make a bold move to strengthen their defense, pursuing a key player from the Eagles. Could this strategic acquisition be the missing piece to elevate their defense, or will it ignite a fierce rivalry? The tension between the NFC East rivals is about to reach new heights..ll 👇👇👇

🚨 DALLAS COWBOYS TARGET NAKOBE DEAN IN FREE AGENCY: A KEY ADDITION TO THE LINEBACKER CORPS 👇 The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2026 offseason with a…