New candidates emerge for Cowboys defensive coordinator, including a former head coach and someone already on the team
The Dallas Cowboys are adding more candidates into the mix in week two of searching for Matt Eberflus’ replacement.
The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator search is heating up. Just when a favorite appeared to be emerging, we learned there are three more names in the mix.
In addition to last week’s round of interviews, the Cowboys are adding a recently fired head coach and an in-house candidate, according to Joseph Hoyt from Dallas Morning News. Let’s break it all down.
New candidates in Cowboys DC search
Per Hoyt’s reporting, the Cowboys have three interviews scheduled in addition to their first three last weekend. The newly revealed targets are:
- Aaron Whitecotton, Cowboys DL coach
- Jonathan Gannon, former Arizona Cardinals head coach
- Zach Orr, Ravens defensive coordinator
Last week, the Cowboys interviewed Jim Leonhard (Broncos pass game coordinator), Daronte Jones (Vikings pass game coordinator), and Ephraim Banda (Browns safeties coach).
Quick thoughts on new candidates
Aaron Whitecotton
Jerry Jones said last November he considered the lack of continuity on defense one of the biggest problems for the Cowboys over the last few years. Whitecotton could provide some of it. In 2025, the only strength on the team’s defense was defensive tackle. A lot of that had to do with talent but also Whitecotton. An example of this? Star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams’ pass rushing production for the season quickly improved as soon as he reunited with Whitecotton in Dallas. If Dallas wants continuity and to build upon a strength, Whitecotton makes sense.
Jonathan Gannon
Gannon is the first former head coach on the Cowboys’ list of interviews and it shouldn’t be a surprise. Though his head coaching tenure in Arizona didn’t go as planned, he was very successful as DC in Philadelphia. In fact, he helped the Eagles make a Super Bowl in 2022. Even though he’s a former head coach, he fits the search’s theme of young candidates at 43 years old.
Zach Orr
Perhaps the most surprising name on the list so far based on 2025 results. The Ravens mightily struggled to adapt to several defensive injuries this season, largely leading to them missing the playoffs and head coach John Harbaugh being fired. Like the Cowboys, Baltimore gave up multiple monster quarterback performances.
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