Tolzien enters his first season as Saints quarterbacks coach
In his first season as the Cowboys’ quarterbacks coach in 2023—after three years as an offensive assistant (2020–22)—Scott Tolzien played a key role in Dak Prescott’s standout campaign. Under Tolzien’s guidance, Prescott finished second in MVP voting, leading the NFL in completions (410) and passing touchdowns (36), becoming the first Cowboys quarterback to lead the league outright in passing scores. He also ranked second in passer rating (105.9) and third in passing yards (4,516), while cutting his interceptions down from 15 in 2022 to just nine. His interception rate of 1.5% ranked fourth among all NFL quarterbacks. Prescott also showed improved command of the offense, recording three game-winning drives—his highest total since 2018—and led the league with 11 games of both 100.0+ passer ratings and multiple passing touchdowns.
Drawing on his seven-year NFL career as a quarterback, Tolzien helped prepare both Prescott and backup Cooper Rush for success. When Prescott was sidelined with a thumb injury in Week 1 of the 2022 season, Tolzien helped shape the offensive strategy for Rush, who went 4-1 in five starts and became the first quarterback in Cowboys history to win his first five career starts.
Upon Prescott’s return in Week 7 against Detroit, the offense flourished. From that point forward, Dallas led the NFL in offensive points per game (31.3), ranked first in third-down conversion rate (52.3%), and finished third in total yards per game (384.3), showcasing the impact of Tolzien’s work behind the scenes.
The Dallas Cowboys offense reached new levels in 2021, leading the NFL in both scoring (31.2 points per game) and total yards (407.0), while setting a franchise record with 530 total points. The unit also ranked sixth in touchdown efficiency, reaching the end zone on 28.6% of their drives. Scott Tolzien’s close work with Dak Prescott was evident, as the quarterback posted a career-best and team-record 37 touchdown passes and recorded a 100.0+ passer rating in eight games—tied for the second-most in a single season in team history.
In Tolzien’s first year with the Cowboys in 2020, he assisted with an offense that remained highly productive despite losing Prescott to injury early in the season. The unit still finished among the top 10 in several major categories, including seventh in receiving yards (4,511), eighth in net passing yards (4,161), and tied for ninth in total scrimmage yards (6,299), highlighting the staff’s ability to adapt and maintain efficiency under challenging circumstances.
Before entering the NFL coaching ranks, Scott Tolzien got his first taste of off-field responsibilities in 2019 at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, where he worked as an analyst focused on opponent scouting. That season, the Badgers finished 10-4, earning a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and a trip to the Rose Bowl.
Tolzien played seven seasons in the NFL, initially signing with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He spent his first two years with the San Francisco 49ers (2011–12), making two NFC Championship Game appearances, before joining the Green Bay Packers (2013–15) as a backup to Aaron Rodgers, appearing in six games with two starts. He later played for the Indianapolis Colts from 2016–17, appearing in four games with two starts.
At Wisconsin, Tolzien started 26 of 29 games, leaving with school records for completion percentage (68.1%) and passer efficiency (153.2). His standout senior season in 2010 earned him the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually to the nation’s top upperclassman quarterback.
A native of Palatine, Illinois, Tolzien was an All-State and All-Academic honoree at William Fremd High School.
He and his wife, Megan, have three children: a son, Blake, and two daughters, Brooke and Caroline.
Playing Career:
Wisconsin (2006–10); San Francisco 49ers (2011–12); Green Bay Packers (2013–15); Indianapolis Colts (2016–17)
Scott Tolzien coaching career
| Team | Position Held | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | Offensive assistant | 2020-2022 |
| Dallas Cowboys | Quarterbacks coach | 2023-2024 |
| New Orleans Saints | Quarterbacks coach | 2025-present |
