Frisco, Texas, January 21, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys are nearing the end of their search for a new defensive coordinator after a season marked by underperformance. Recent candidates include Jonathan Gannon, former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, and Christian Parker from the Eagles. Jim Leonhard, the Broncos’ assistant head coach, remains a potential candidate pending the outcome of his team’s playoff game. The Cowboys are committed to enhancing their defensive strategies to improve their ranking next season, following their disappointing 30th position in total defense last year.
Dallas Cowboys Conduct Final Interviews for Defensive Coordinator
Who are the recent candidates interviewed for the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator position?
The Cowboys have recently interviewed former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon and Eagles passing game coordinator Christian Parker for the defensive coordinator role.
Is Jim Leonhard still a candidate for the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator position?
Yes, Broncos defensive passing game coordinator and assistant head coach Jim Leonhard remains a potential candidate. However, his team’s participation in the AFC Championship Game may delay any further discussions.
Why did the Cowboys dismiss Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator?
The Cowboys dismissed Matt Eberflus after a single season due to underperformance, as the team ranked 30th in total defense, allowing 377 yards per game and surrendering a league-high 60 touchdowns.
Overview of Key Features in Cowboys’ DC Search
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Recent Interviews | Jonathan Gannon and Christian Parker have been interviewed for the defensive coordinator position. |
| Upcoming Interviews | Jim Leonhard remains a potential candidate, with interviews possibly delayed due to his team’s playoff participation. |
| Search Initiation | The search began following the dismissal of Matt Eberflus after a single season. |
| Team’s Defensive Performance | The Cowboys ranked 30th in total defense, allowing 377 yards per game and surrendering a league-high 60 touchdowns under Eberflus. |
Frisco, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys are in the final stages of their search for a new defensive coordinator, having conducted interviews with several promising candidates over the past week. This process comes on the heels of a disappointing season where the team’s defensive performance was subpar, ranking them 30th in total defense in the league.
The Cowboys are known for their commitment to excellence and maintaining competitive integrity, which is particularly evident in their rigorous evaluation process for potential candidates. Current offerings hinge not just on hoping for improvement, but actively seeking out the right talent that would mesh well with the team’s dynamic and elevate its overall play on the field.
Recent Interviews
Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon was interviewed recently at The Star. With a history as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, he brings a wealth of experience and a strong pedigree to the table. His understanding of the game and defensive schemes could potentially reshape the Cowboys’ current approach.
Also in line for an interview is Eagles’ passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Christian Parker, who is scheduled to meet with the Cowboys’ coaching staff today. Parker has been a significant force in developing Philadelphia’s secondary, contributing to their top-ranked pass defense in recent seasons. His insights could provide a fresh perspective that might benefit the Cowboys.
Potential Candidates on the Horizon
While no additional interviews are currently scheduled, Jim Leonhard, the Broncos’ defensive passing game coordinator and assistant head coach, remains in contention. His team’s current participation in the AFC Championship Game could pose a delay in formal discussions regarding his candidacy. The Cowboys are being methodical in their approach to ensure they find the best fit for their strategy going forward.
The Search Context
The need for a new defensive coordinator arose following the dismissal of Matt Eberflus after just one season. Under his direction, the Cowboys’ defense struggled, allowing more than 370 yards and 60 touchdowns over the course of the season. The organization’s emphasis on finding a coaching talent that not only understands the importance of solid defensive play but also can inspire and secure better results for the team is clear.
As the search continues, the Cowboys are committed to exploring a diverse pool of coaching candidates, demonstrating their dedication to enhancing their team dynamics and ultimately achieving greater success in the forthcoming season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys’ search for a new defensive coordinator reflects their ongoing commitment to improvement and competitiveness in the NFL. With seasoned candidates like Gannon and Parker emerging as front-runners, the prospects of enhancing the team’s defensive strategies seem promising. Local fans and stakeholders are encouraged to stay engaged and supportive of the Cowboys’ journey as they seek to restore their defensive prowess and compete at higher levels in the season ahead.
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
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