The Matt Eberflus era in Dallas didn’t last long - and frankly, it didn’t need to. After just one season coordinating the Cowboys’ defense, the team decided to pull the plug and start fresh.
And with how potent the offense was throughout the 2025 season, even a league-average defense might’ve been enough to push this team into the playoffs. But that didn’t happen, and now the Cowboys are back in the familiar position of searching for answers on the defensive side of the ball.
The search for a new defensive coordinator is already underway, and Dallas has been aggressive in casting a wide net. One of the first names on their radar?
Jim Leonhard. But landing him might be tougher than expected - and not because of anything the Cowboys did wrong.
Leonhard Drawing Interest from Green Bay
Leonhard, currently the defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach with the Denver Broncos, is suddenly a hot commodity. That heat turned up a notch when reports surfaced that Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is in line to become the next head coach of the Miami Dolphins. That potential vacancy in Green Bay opens the door for a serious push to bring Leonhard back to his home state of Wisconsin.
Leonhard isn’t just some up-and-comer with a clipboard and a headset. He’s a former NFL safety who carved out a solid playing career before transitioning into coaching.
His football IQ has always been high, and he made a name for himself as the defensive coordinator - and briefly interim head coach - at Wisconsin. His move to the Broncos in 2025 was a big step, and his quick rise in Denver’s staff has only added to his appeal.
Cowboys Hit a Scheduling Roadblock
Dallas clearly saw something early in Leonhard - they were one of the first teams to line up a virtual interview with him. But here’s the catch: because the Broncos are still alive in the playoffs, NFL rules prevent the Cowboys from conducting an in-person interview unless Denver is eliminated or on a bye. That delay could prove costly.
While Dallas waits, Green Bay could pounce. Leonhard has ties to the Packers - head coach Matt LaFleur reportedly offered him the defensive coordinator job back in 2021.
Add in the fact that Leonhard is a Wisconsin native, and you’ve got a situation that makes a lot of sense for both sides. If Hafley does indeed head to Miami, don’t be surprised if the Packers move quickly and aggressively to bring Leonhard into the fold.
Dallas Can’t Afford to Miss Again
This all puts added pressure on the Cowboys’ front office - especially offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, owner Jerry Jones, and the rest of the decision-makers. The Cowboys can’t afford another misstep on defense.
Eberflus was supposed to be the answer, but the unit underperformed, and it cost them a shot at January football. Whoever they bring in next has to be the right fit - not just schematically, but culturally and in terms of leadership.
Leonhard checks a lot of boxes. But the timing might not be in Dallas’ favor. As the coaching carousel spins, the Cowboys find themselves in a race against the clock - and against teams like the Packers - to land a defensive mind who can help restore balance to one of the league’s most talented but frustratingly inconsistent rosters.
The offense is ready. The window is open. Now it’s on Dallas to make the kind of hire that ensures the defense won’t be what holds them back again in 2026.