The Dallas Cowboys are deep into their search for a new defensive coordinator, and one name is starting to gain real traction: Jonathan Gannon. With a modern defensive philosophy and head coaching experience under his belt, Gannon brings a profile that checks a lot of boxes for a franchise looking to reset after a rocky 2025 on the defensive side of the ball.
Gannon recently sat down with the Cowboys for an interview, and this wasn’t just a courtesy call. He’s not some placeholder candidate. He’s a serious contender, and if Dallas decides to go in his direction, they’d be getting a coach who understands today’s NFL offenses inside and out.
Gannon’s résumé is no lightweight. He served as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles before stepping into the head coaching role with the Arizona Cardinals. Prior to that, he spent nearly a decade coaching defensive backs - a background that’s especially relevant given the Cowboys’ recent issues in coverage communication and schematic discipline.
And that’s no coincidence. The Cowboys seem to be zeroing in on candidates with strong secondary experience. It’s a clear signal that they’re looking for someone who can bring structure and clarity to the back end of the defense - someone who knows how to slow down the high-powered, motion-heavy offenses that coaches like Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay are putting on the field every week.
Gannon’s defenses are known for their use of quarters coverage and post-snap disguise - two concepts built to limit explosive plays and force quarterbacks to hold the ball just a little longer. That extra beat is often all a pass rush needs to get home, and it’s a key part of the complementary football Dallas is trying to build.
But no scheme is perfect, and Gannon’s comes with trade-offs. His defenses have historically leaned toward protecting the secondary, even if it means giving up some ground in the run game. And in a league where more teams are shifting back toward heavier personnel and pounding the ball into lighter defensive fronts, that can be a dangerous gamble.
If Dallas chooses Gannon, they’ll need to commit - not just to the scheme, but to the personnel it requires. That means investing in defensive linemen who can win one-on-one battles without blitz help, and linebackers who can hold up against the run without always having a safety in the box behind them.
The numbers back it up. Gannon’s recent defenses have been solid against the pass but less consistent against the run, especially on early downs.
That’s not a knock - it’s just the reality of the philosophy. And it means Dallas would need to tailor its roster accordingly if they go this route.
Of course, Gannon isn’t the only coach in the mix. Zach Orr, who most recently served as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, also interviewed with the Cowboys. Orr is a rising star in coaching circles - known for his football IQ and leadership - but he’s still relatively new to the play-calling side of things.
There’s no question about Orr’s intelligence or upside. But stepping into the role of defensive coordinator for a team with championship aspirations is a big leap.
His defenses in Baltimore were strong against the run but showed some vulnerability through the air, often relying on aggressive blitzes and man coverage - a style that demands elite cornerback play. That’s an area where Dallas has struggled to stay consistent.
Still, Orr could be a valuable addition to the staff in another role - whether that’s as a linebackers coach or a senior defensive assistant. His football mind is sharp, and getting him in the building could pay dividends, even if he’s not calling the plays just yet.
Time is a factor here, too. The coaching carousel is spinning fast, and defensive minds are in high demand across the league.
The Cowboys can’t afford to wait too long. At some point, candidates stop taking interviews and start taking jobs.
This hire won’t just define the Cowboys’ scheme - it’ll shape their identity. It’ll tell us how they plan to build their roster, where they’ll spend their resources, and what kind of football they want to play heading into 2026.
Jonathan Gannon remains a name to watch - not just because of his experience, but because of the vision he brings. If Dallas decides he’s the guy, it could mark the beginning of a new defensive era in Big D.