A pending Cowboys free agent looks headed out the door, but a likely hire at defensive coordinator could change that
LB Jack Sanborn didn’t make the best first impression in Dallas. But a defensive coordinator candidate could give him another chance.
Fans are impatiently waiting to learn who will be the next defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. Joining them might be one pending free agent whose future could change if a familiar face for him gets the job.
That’s linebacker Jack Sanborn, whose 2025 season with the Cowboys didn’t pan out as he hoped. His return to Dallas in 2026 appears questionable at best. However, there’s one strong defensive coordinator candidate in the Cowboys search that might just ensure that he’s re-signed.
Cowboys’ DC hire could change Sanborn’s fate
Right now, things aren’t looking great for Sanborn—who was brought in by Matt Eberflus after coaching him in Chicago. After inconsistent play in the first couple of months, Sanborn landed on Injured Reserve with a groin injury, ending the season with only six games played. As a pending free agent and Eberflus out of the picture, it’s fair to assume his future isn’t with the Cowboys.
However, the Cowboys interviewed Denver Broncos passing game coordinator Jim Leonhard, and some already consider him the coaching staff’s top target. If he’s hired, he could go to bat for Sanborn. After all, Sanborn was a crucial element of Leonhard’s defenses at Wisconsin when he was DC for the Badgers.
Leonhard led a Top 5 defense in among Power 5 teams during his time at Wisconsin, and in those years, Sanborn led the team in tackles twice. He earned All-Big Ten honors in 2020 and 2021.
It’s no secret the Cowboys give defensive coordinators plenty of freedom in choosing the personnel they bring in when they first take over the defense in Dallas. Sanborn was an example of it last year when he reunited with Eberflus with the Cowboys.
Now granted, it’s unlikely Leonhard attempts to make Sanborn he’s starting linebacker. But he might convince the front office to keep him as depth. And honestly? It might not be a terrible idea. Though Sanborn missed tackles and assignments in coverage last year, it’s only fair to point out everyone on the Cowboys defense did. It was a poorly built and coached unit.
But Sanborn was on an upward trajectory before arriving at Dallas. Perhaps a new scenery allows the Cowboys to see much improved version of Sanborn. The good news for the 25-year-old linebacker is Leonhard is considered one of the favorites to land the gig. But if he’s going to get it, it won’t be until the Broncos lose in the playoffs or become Super Bowl champions.
The Broncos host the Buffalo Bills next Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET.
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