Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator interview tracker: First few candidates finally emerge
The Dallas Cowboys’ search for a new defensive coordinator is officially underway. Keep track of the candidates with our interview tracker.
With the NFL coaching market taking shape, the Dallas Cowboys are kicking off their search for a new defensive coordinator. Earlier in the week, they fired Matt Eberflus from the position after one of the worst defensive seasons in franchise history.
As they search for a replacement, we’ll keep you updated with the candidates that are in the mix with our interview tracker below. Below are the names that we know about so far.
Live Cowboys DC interview tracker:
- Daronte Jones, Vikings pass game coordinator
- Jim Leonhard, Broncos pass game coordinator
- Ephraim Banda, Browns safeties coach
- Aaron Whitecotton, Cowboys DL coach
- Jonathan Gannon, former Cardinals head coach
- Zach Orr, Ravens defensive coordinator
- Christian Parker, Eagles pass game coordinator (scheduled)
- Charlie Bullen, Giants interim defensive coordinator (scheduled)
- DeMarcus Covington, Packers run game coordinator (scheduled)
- *Jeff Ulbrich, Falcons defensive coordinator (requested but denied)
This is expected to be Schottenheimer’s hire
Whoever ends up getting the job is expected to be up to head coach Brian Schottenheimer. And yes, though that should always be the case, the Cowboys operate differently.
It’s been largely speculated that Eberflus was brought in by the front office in January. This time, however, they should rely on Schottenheimer’s decision-making, who proved he can build a solid staff on the offensive side of things.
For the purpose of the Cowboys’ search for a new DC, this matters because it means the team might deviate from the usual profile it prefers. The last five defensive coordinators of the Cowboys have all come in with previous head coaching experience.
Could Schottenheimer—who hired OL coach Klayton Adams as offensive coordinator last year—break that trend and instead bring in an assistant coach on the rise instead of a former HC type? The first few names emerging from reports suggest he will at least consider the latter, requesting multiple interviews with coaches with no head coaching experience.
Dallas Cowboys News
It’s becoming increasingly likely the Cowboys face at least one of their former head coaches in 2026, maybe two
Both Mike McCarthy and Jason Garrett have emerged as head coaching candidates for Cowboys’ 2026 opponents.
