Cowboys Cast a Wide Net in Defensive Coordinator Search - But Could Lose a Top Target to the Giants
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys are in the thick of their defensive coordinator search, and for once, it actually feels like a real search - not just a few names from the usual inner circle.
After moving on from Matt Eberflus following a disastrous 2025 campaign, the Cowboys are looking to reset on defense. And this time, head coach Brian Schottenheimer appears to be steering the process with both hands firmly on the wheel.
Schottenheimer made it clear during his end-of-season press conference that he planned to cast a wide net. So far, he’s kept that promise.
Dallas has already interviewed or requested interviews with a deep list of candidates, including:
- Christian Parker
- Charlie Bunten
- Jim Leonhard
- Daronte Jones
- Ephraim Banda
- Jonathan Gannon
- Aaron Whitecotton
- Zach Orr
- Demarcus Covington
That’s nine names - and counting. It's a refreshing shift from past Cowboys searches that often felt more like reunions than hiring processes, with candidates closely tied to Jerry Jones’ inner circle. This time, the team appears to be doing its due diligence.
But even with a broader search, challenges remain. One of the Cowboys’ top targets, Jim Leonhard - currently with the Denver Broncos - may now be in play for another job.
With the New York Giants reportedly hiring John Harbaugh as their next head coach, Leonhard could be on Harbaugh’s radar. And that connection runs deep.
Back in 2008, when Harbaugh was a rookie head coach in Baltimore, Leonhard was one of his starting safeties. That kind of history can carry weight when it comes to building a staff.
So while Dallas has Leonhard high on its list, there's now legitimate concern that he could be lured away to New York.
Meanwhile, two other high-profile names - Brian Flores and Jim Schwartz - haven’t interviewed with the Cowboys yet. Both are currently in the mix for head coaching opportunities, which may be delaying any potential conversations. But if those head coaching doors close, Dallas could circle back.
The bottom line: Schottenheimer is following through on his word to explore every option. The Cowboys are taking a serious approach to finding the right defensive mind to help reshape a unit that faltered badly last season.
But as much as this is about the Cowboys choosing the right coordinator, it’s also about whether that coordinator chooses them back.