The Dallas Cowboys just hit an unexpected speed bump in their defensive coordinator search
One of the biggest names on the Dallas Cowboys’ search for a new defensive coordinator is off the table. At least for now.
The Dallas Cowboys just hit a speedbump in their search for a new defensive coordinator, and it happens to involve one of the biggest names on everyone’s candidates list.
On Thursday, the Atlanta Falcons denied the Cowboys’ request to interview defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer.
Cowboys denied by Falcons
Ulbrich is one of the first names we learn the Cowboys requested for an interview since Eberflus’ firing. It’s no surprise they’re interested in Ulbrich considering his recent success in Atlanta. And though Ulbrich is under contract with the Falcons, Atlanta’s firing of head coach Raheem Morris strongly suggested Ulbrich would be available for interviews.
It turns out he’s not. At least, not yet.
“A potential interview can be revisited later if they hire a head coach who has a different coordinator in mind,” Archer wrote on social media.
Falcons’ ownership wants Ulbrich
Though the door is open for a new head coach to adjust course, the Falcons’ initial stance on Ulbrich makes him a very unlikely candidate for the Cowboys. For starters, he’s got the support of ownership.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank recently revealed he planned to recommend Ulbrich stays to whoever he hires as head coach.
“I would certainly recommend to a new head coach that he should consider retaining Jeff,” Ulbrich said on Thursday.
Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, the Falcons are likely going to take a long time before signing a head coach. After all, they’re expected to interview multiple head coaches who are getting ready for the NFL playoffs. That includes Broncos DC Vance Joseph, Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak, and Packers DC Jeff Hafley.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys are likely in more of a hurry to secure a defensive coordinator.
Even if they seriously like Ulbrich, it would be really difficult to wait around until they can talk to him, especially if they’re not even guaranteed that opportunity will come. For now, other candidates are beginning to be reported on for the Cowboys. The search is officially underway.
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