The Dallas Cowboys have wasted no time in addressing the gaping hole left by the firing of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after a disastrous first season in the role. While the team is known for its deliberate pace in decision-making—from free agent signings to contract extensions—the front office is shifting gears and accelerating the search for Eberflus’ replacement. This week, the Cowboys have already requested interviews with several promising candidates, signaling the end of the wait for fans eager to see defensive improvements.
Swift Action in a Typically Slow Process
Most NFL teams with coaching vacancies are still in the preliminary stages of their searches, especially for coordinator positions, which often depend on head coaching hires elsewhere. However, the Cowboys are bucking the trend by identifying and pursuing candidates early. According to reports from Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, the team has requested permission to interview three defensive minds: Denver Broncos pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard, Minnesota Vikings pass game coordinator Daronte Jones, and Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda.
This proactive approach comes just days after Eberflus’ dismissal, following a season where the Cowboys’ defense struggled mightily, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key metrics. The move underscores owner Jerry Jones’ urgency to rebuild a unit that was once a strength under previous coordinators like Dan Quinn.
One notable setback: The Cowboys’ request to speak with Atlanta Falcons linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich was denied, limiting their initial pool but not slowing their momentum.
Jim Leonhard Emerges as a Top Contender
Among the candidates, Jim Leonhard stands out as a particularly intriguing option for Dallas. The former NFL safety, who played for the New York Jets from 2009-2011, has a direct connection to Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer. During Leonhard’s playing days with the Jets, Schottenheimer served as the offensive coordinator, fostering a professional relationship that could ease his transition to Dallas.
Leonhard’s coaching resume, while light on NFL experience, is impressive. He served as defensive coordinator and interim head coach at the University of Wisconsin before joining Sean Payton’s staff in Denver. In his current role as assistant head coach and passing game coordinator for the Broncos, Leonhard has contributed to a defense that led the NFL in sacks over the past two seasons, setting franchise records both times. The unit also held five opponents without a touchdown this season, showcasing his impact under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
Schottenheimer himself praised Leonhard during a recent press conference at The Star, calling him “a heck of a coach” and highlighting his playing career and the Broncos’ strong defensive performance. “Jim is an excellent coach, and I think they had a heck of a year,” Schottenheimer said.
Spotlight on the Other Candidates
The Cowboys’ search isn’t limited to Leonhard. Ephraim Banda brings a wealth of college coaching experience, having spent over a decade at programs like Incarnate Word and Utah State before joining the Browns in 2023 as safeties coach. His current boss, Cleveland defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, could also enter the mix for the Dallas job, depending on Schwartz’s future in Cleveland.
Daronte Jones offers perhaps the most diverse background. Starting at small colleges like Nicholls State and Bowie State, he coached high school football in Louisiana, moved to major programs like UCLA and Wisconsin, and even spent time in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes. Jones entered the NFL as a defensive backs coach for the Miami Dolphins in 2016 and has remained in the league since, except for a one-year stint as LSU’s defensive coordinator in 2021. Now with the Vikings, Jones works under Brian Flores, who has been mentioned as a longshot candidate for the Cowboys’ DC position himself.
All three candidates share a common thread: limited high-level NFL coordinating experience. This could be a calculated risk by the Cowboys, betting on fresh perspectives to revitalize a defense that underperformed under the more seasoned Eberflus.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
With interviews on the horizon, the Cowboys could make a hire sooner than expected, potentially before other teams finalize their head coaching searches. This early action might give Dallas an edge in securing top talent. Fans, frustrated by the defensive woes of the past season, can finally breathe a sigh of relief—the wait is over, and the rebuild is underway.
As the process unfolds, keep an eye on Leonhard, whose ties to Schottenheimer and proven contributions in Denver make him a frontrunner. Whoever lands the job will have big shoes to fill, but the Cowboys’ swift moves suggest they’re committed to getting it right this time. Stay tuned for updates as interviews progress and more candidates potentially emerge.
