Dallas Cowboys insider believes team has made up its mind on future defensive coordinator, but there’s a long way to go
The Dallas Cowboys may already have a favorite defensive coordinator candidate, but the wait may be a long one.
The Dallas Cowboys have interviewed three defensive coordinator candidates, and more coaches may be in line for interviews this week. But one insider believes head coach Brian Schottenheimer and his team have already chosen their guy.
Let’s dive into the latest around the Cowboys’ search to replace Matt Eberflus, who was fired last week after one year on the job.
Insider thinks Jim Leonhard will be Cowboys’ DC
Cowboys insider Bobby Belt from 105.3 The Fan has been on top of the team’s search for a new defensive coordinator at every turn, suggesting early in the process Schottenheimer would be spearheading the process, which he certainly appears to be doing.
On Monday, radio host Shan Shariff offered the latest intel from Belt, who wasn’t on air at the time.
“I texted Bobby last night and I said is there any update, any movement?,” said Shariff. “And he said, ‘Nope. They wrapped those three interviews. Will probably submit more today or tomorrow. Would not be surprised if they request Jonathan Cooley from the Panthers, but I think [Jim] Leonhard will be their guy. So they have to wait for Denver to get bounced before they can hire him.’”
Now granted, Belt’s text to Shariff isn’t exactly a formal report, but it’s telling, considering the context of the Cowboys’ search. So far, Leonhard is only one of three interviews the Cowboys have conducted alongside Daronte Jones (Vikings passing game coordinator) and Ephraim Banda (Browns safety coach).
Even if we hear more names moving forward, which we likely will, the fact that they went through those three interviews before even announcing more may point toward an early inclination toward Leonhard.
Timing may be a factor, though
As Belt pointed out, if the Cowboys want Leonhard, they need to wait until the Denver Broncos are eliminated from the playoffs. However, as the No. 1 seed in the AFC, the Broncos are a likely Super Bowl contender. How long is Dallas willing to wait? And even then, how certain are they of securing Leonhard?
Leonhard is considered a hot DC candidate and one who could even be promoted in Denver if Vance Joseph leaves for a head-coaching job. Heck, he might even follow Joseph in that scenario. In other words, there is still uncertainty surrounding the Cowboys’ DC search.
But for now, it might be fair to describe Leonhard as the early favorite.
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