Cowboys’ Defensive Coordinator Search Heating Up as Internal Candidates Get a Closer Look
The Dallas Cowboys are deep into their search for a new defensive coordinator - and this time, it feels like they’re doing it with more purpose and clarity than in years past.
It’s been just over a week since the team parted ways with Matt Eberflus, marking the fourth time in as many years that Dallas is looking for someone to take the reins on defense. But despite the turnover, there’s a sense that this process is being handled with a wide lens and a sharp focus.
Cowboys COO and executive vice president Stephen Jones spoke Thursday about where things stand, and while he didn’t drop any names, he made it clear the team is casting a wide net.
“We’re in the initial run,” Jones said. “We’re going to cast a wide net, whether it’s half a dozen, ten, 12 coaches when it’s all said and done. I don’t know what that number will be, but then we’ll narrow it down.”
That narrowing process has already begun, with the Cowboys identifying a group of candidates they believe could be strong fits for what they’re trying to build. Jones emphasized that all the coaches interviewed so far are qualified - but finding the right fit goes beyond just résumé bullet points. It’s about philosophy, chemistry with the current staff, and the ability to lead a unit that’s had its ups and downs over the past few seasons.
And while the team continues to vet external candidates, one of their own is getting a chance to show what he can do in a live setting.
Whitecotton Gets His Shot at the Shrine Bowl
Aaron Whitecotton, Dallas’ defensive line coach and one of the internal candidates who interviewed for the DC job, will get a unique opportunity to showcase his play-calling chops later this month. He’s set to serve as the defensive coordinator for the East team at the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl - a game that not only kicks off draft season but also gives coaching candidates a platform to prove themselves in a competitive environment.
It’s a notable development for Whitecotton. While coaching an all-star game isn’t the same as running an NFL defense over 17 weeks, it’s still a valuable audition. He’ll be tasked with installing a scheme, communicating it to players he’s just met, and adjusting on the fly - all skills that translate directly to the job he’s vying for in Dallas.
The Cowboys are hosting the Shrine Bowl at The Star, so they’ll have a front-row seat to how Whitecotton handles the challenge. On the other sideline, tight ends coach Lunda Wells will serve as the head coach for the West team, giving Dallas even more presence and visibility at the event.
A New Approach Under a Steady Hand
This defensive coordinator search marks just the second time in recent years that Dallas has conducted this kind of process with a sitting head coach in place. The last time came ahead of Mike McCarthy’s final season, when the team brought in veteran Mike Zimmer to stabilize the defense. Now, with Brian Schottenheimer entering his second year as offensive coordinator and the coaching staff largely intact, the Cowboys are once again looking for a defensive leader who can mesh with the current structure while bringing fresh ideas.
What’s different this time? For one, there’s no “lame duck” cloud hanging over the head coach.
That uncertainty was a factor during McCarthy’s final year, but this time around, the front office seems more aligned in its long-term vision. Jerry Jones has made it clear he’s willing to shake things up - and that includes how decisions are made.
“I’m not afraid to change it up - at all,” Jones said after the season-ending loss to the Chargers. It was a candid moment from the Cowboys owner, who acknowledged the need for change after another year without a deep playoff run.
That mindset appears to be carrying over into the DC search. The Cowboys aren’t just looking to plug a hole - they’re trying to find someone who can elevate the defense and bring a new identity to a unit that has lacked consistency.
Looking Ahead to Free Agency and Roster Development
Of course, hiring a defensive coordinator is just the first domino in what will be a busy offseason for Dallas. Once that decision is made, attention will shift to free agency and the draft - both of which will be critical in shaping the 2026 roster.
Internal development will also play a big role. Last year, the Cowboys leaned heavily on running back Javonte Williams, especially during a grueling three-game stretch around Thanksgiving where he touched the ball 65 times in 10 days. Dallas won all three games, but the workload may have taken a toll as the team faded down the stretch.
If the Cowboys plan to keep Williams as a long-term piece, they’ll need to find a way to ease that burden - whether that’s through a complementary back, a more balanced offensive approach, or both.
There are other positions where Dallas will be looking for in-house talent to step up. Last offseason, they replaced Zack Martin with rookie Tyler Booker, traded for George Pickens after moving on from Brandin Cooks, and brought in Jadeveon Clowney following the trade of Micah Parsons. The message is clear: player development is going to be just as important as player acquisition.
Bottom Line
The Cowboys’ search for a new defensive coordinator is still unfolding, but it’s already clear they’re taking a thorough, deliberate approach. With a mix of external interviews and internal evaluations - including a real-time audition for Aaron Whitecotton at the Shrine Bowl - Dallas is doing its homework.
And with Jerry Jones signaling a willingness to “change it up,” there’s reason to believe this could be more than just another coaching shuffle. The next hire won’t just be about X’s and O’s - it’ll be about setting a tone for a defense that needs to find its identity in 2026.