Is being likable enough to lead an NFL team?

In this episode of Just Wondering, Norm Hitzges takes a thoughtful look at Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and asks a question many fans are quietly wondering: can a “Mr. Nice Guy” succeed long-term in the NFL? Norm breaks down coaching styles from Tom Landry to Bill Belichick, and introduces the idea of the “thundering velvet hand” — leadership that blends discipline with care — while questioning whether Schottenheimer strikes the balance players need to win.

Then the focus shifts to the Dallas Mavericks, where injuries to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving force a hard reset. Norm lays out a blunt plan: forget the playoffs, invest in young players, and start building for the future. From developing Ryan Nemhard and Brandon Williams to eyeing draft position and long-term roster construction around Cooper Flagg, Norm explains why patience now could pay off later — even if it’s not the plan fans hoped for.

It’s a candid, realistic look at leadership, culture, and decision-making in Dallas sports — the kind of thinking that doesn’t chase headlines, but might just point the way forward.

JWw-NH SL Ep 85

Chapters

00:00:00 – Opening thoughts and today’s big questions 00:01:27 – Is Brian Schottenheimer simply too nice? 00:02:53 – Coaching styles: fear, respect, and leadership 00:04:21 – The “thundering velvet hand” explained 00:05:14 – Why likability may not equal long-term success 00:05:14 – Transition to the Mavericks and roster reality 00:07:46 – Anthony Davis injured again and plans unravel 00:08:29 – Forget the playoffs: time to invest in youth 00:09:30 – Building next year’s lineup around Cooper Flagg 00:10:16 – Trade flexibility and long-term roster vision 00:11:02 – Why this plan offers a real future 00:11:13 – Sponsors and closing reflections Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW