Brian Schottenheimer is sending a message as first Cowboys’ defensive coordinator candidates are revealed
It sure looks like Brian Schottenheimer is driving the bus when it comes to the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator search.
A big talking point of this Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator search has been the level of Brian Schottenheimer’s involvement.
Despite being head coach, it’s been largely speculated—based on previous comments by the front office and other decisions in the past—that hiring Matt Eberflus last year was a decision coming from the front office.
But ahead of this search, it’s been believed it’s Schottenheimer driving the search for Eberflus’ replacement. And now that we know the first few names the Cowboys are set to interview, consider it a loud message from Schotty. It is indeed his search.
Initial Cowboys DC candidates break the mold
The Cowboys have a type when it comes to defensive coordinators. Since 2014, they’ve had five defensive coordinators. All of them had head coaching experience when they were signed by Dallas: Rod Marinelli, Mike Nolan, Dan Quinn, Mike Zimmer, and Eberflus.
But that isn’t the case for the first group of candidates emerging from this year’s search. Instead, it’s hotshot rising assistants from around the league:
- Daronte Jones, Vikings pass game coordinator (requested)
- Jim Leonhard, Broncos pass gamer coordinator (requested)
- Ephraim Banda, Browns safeties coach (requested)
The update matters because Schottenheimer showed in 2025 he can build a solid staff. Last year, instead of taking the classic “hire familiar faces” approach we often see in the NFL, he brought in Klayton Adams as his offensive coordinator. The two had never been on the same staff. He also hired coaches from the collegiate level, including Conor Riley (OL) and Junior Adams (WR).
The hires yielded a Top 5 scoring offense.
Not to mention, the trend around the league is to hire young coaches with no play-calling experience but that are coming from successful coaching trees. If the Cowboys go through with one of these candidates, it would be an exciting change of pace for a franchise with a way of doing things that feels increasingly stale.
It’s time to shake things up. At least, the Cowboys are looking into it.