Cowboys’ Defensive Coordinator Search Narrows, But Top Names Still in Play
The Dallas Cowboys are taking their time with one of the most important decisions of their offseason: finding the right defensive coordinator to replace Matt Eberflus. And while the list of candidates is long, the race is starting to take shape-with a few intriguing twists along the way.
Let’s start with Jeff Ulbrich. The Cowboys recently submitted a request to interview the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator, but the Falcons shut that down.
Why? Owner Arthur Blank is reportedly interested in keeping Ulbrich around, potentially as a key piece for whoever takes over as Atlanta’s next head coach.
That includes former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who’s deep into a second round of interviews with the Falcons. According to multiple reports, Stefanski has already done his homework on Ulbrich and is open to working with him, should he get the job.
That means Ulbrich-widely respected and considered a top-tier defensive mind-might not even hit the open market. Whether Dallas had him high on their board or not, he’s likely staying put in Atlanta.
So where does that leave the Cowboys?
Nine candidates have already been interviewed once. Here's the list:
- Jim Leonhard, Broncos assistant and passing game coordinator
- Daronte Jones, Vikings pass game coordinator
- Ephraim Banda, Browns safeties coach
- Jonathan Gannon, former Cardinals head coach
- Aaron Whitecotton, Cowboys defensive line coach
- Zach Orr, former Ravens defensive coordinator
- Christian Parker, Eagles defensive backs coach and pass-game coordinator
- Charlie Bullen, Giants interim defensive coordinator
- DeMarcus Covington, Packers defensive line coach
From that group, three names have already earned second interviews: Daronte Jones and Christian Parker are lined up for this weekend, while Jonathan Gannon is scheduled for Tuesday. That’s a strong signal that Dallas is narrowing its focus.
And then there’s Jim Leonhard.
Leonhard is viewed internally as one of the top candidates for the job, but there’s a timing issue. He’s currently with the Denver Broncos, who just pulled off a dramatic overtime win against Buffalo in the playoffs.
Because of NFL rules, the Cowboys can’t bring Leonhard in for an in-person interview until Denver is eliminated-or during the bye week before the Super Bowl, if the Broncos make it that far. So Dallas may have to wait if they truly see Leonhard as their guy.
Through it all, head coach Brian Schottenheimer has been consistent about the approach: cast a wide net, talk to as many smart football minds as possible, and take the time to get this right.
“We want to cast a very wide net,” Schottenheimer said at the outset of the process. “I want to talk to a lot of people. It’s an important decision, and it’s an important decision we’re going to get right…”
So far, they’re sticking to that plan. Even if not every top candidate is available-or even interviewable-the Cowboys are doing their due diligence. Whether it’s a rising young coach like Parker or Jones, or a more seasoned name like Gannon or Leonhard, Dallas is making sure they explore every option.
It’s a critical hire, no doubt. And while the clock is ticking, the Cowboys seem content to wait for the right fit.