This Cowboys DC candidate took fans by surprise, but he’s one of the best coaches on his staff
One of the three known names from the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator search took people by surprise. But here’s why he’s in the mix.
The Dallas Cowboys threw fans quite the curveball earlier with one of their three known interviewees for their defensive coordinator vacancy.
While fans and media members alike expected them to interview the likes of passing game coordinators Jim Leonhard (Denver Broncos) and Daronte Jones (Minnesota Vikings), it was a surprise to learn they were interviewing a safeties coach: Ephraim Banda from the Cleveland Browns.
As is often the case with position coaches, there isn’t a lot of readily available info on Banda, so I thought I’d reach out to our Cleveland Browns expert at A to Z Sports, Brandon Little. And lo and behold, he had nothing but praise for Banda.
Banda is valued by the Browns
According to Little, losing Banda would be a significant blow to the Browns’ staff. Below is his full insight.
Little: “The Browns made an out-of-left-field hire in 2023 when they brought Banda over from Utah State to coach safeties. Before joining Cleveland, Banda had no NFL experience, so there were questions about whether he would be a good fit. Banda has quickly become one of the better position coaches the Browns have. Grant Delpit has leveled up his game into an all-around safety under Banda’s leadership — and really one of the more underrated safeties in the game.
“Banda’s most impressive job has to be with former undrafted free agent Ronnie Hickman Jr. Hickman was pushed into a starting role this season after being a backup for two seasons, and he flourished. Hickman had two interceptions and 103 tackles for the Browns this season in 17 starts. According to PFF, Hickman graded out as a 71.6 for the 2025 season.
“Cleveland losing Banda would be it losing one of its best at player development on the defensive side of the ball. Banda has had a safety group in Cleveland that has played physical, disciplined, and smart. That’s a testament to Banda and the job he’s done with the Browns. The Cowboys’ interest in Banda is bad news for the Browns — though his current trajectory has him landing a bigger job elsewhere very soon.”
Banda is a Jim Schwartz disciple
Though Banda isn’t a household name among NFL fans, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “he’s respected in league circles as a Jim Schwartz disciple.”
Many assumed — myself included — the Cowboys could be interested in hiring Schwartz himself, though he’s likely to receive plenty of interest from around the league. Not to mention, the Browns view him as a candidate for their head coaching position. If the Cowboys are unable to garner interest from Schwartz, Banda could be a good way to tap into his coaching tree.
Banda’s experience
Before joining the Browns in 2023, Banda spent 11 years coaching college football. Most notably, he ascended from safeties coach at Miami (2016-2018) to co-defensive coordinator (2019-2020) and later spent two years as defensive coordinator at Utah State.
His defense ranked second in the NCAA in 2021 with 114 tackles for loss and ninth in 2022 with 94.
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