The Dallas Cowboys are going into the 2026 off-season looking to revamp their defense. After trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers just days before the 2025 season their defense experienced significant decline this season.
However, it would appear that their search for a new DC is an interesting one.
Cowboys Strike Out on Top Target Jeff Ulbrich for Defensive Coordinator Role
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Dallas Cowboys hit an early roadblock in their urgent search for a new defensive coordinator, with the Atlanta Falcons denying permission to interview their highly regarded DC, Jeff Ulbrich.
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer (reporting January 8, 2026), the Cowboys requested to speak with Ulbrich for the vacancy created by the firing of Matt Eberflus after just one disappointing season. The Falcons, currently searching for a new head coach following the dismissal of Raheem Morris, declined the request because Ulbrich remains under contract.
A potential interview could be revisited later if Atlanta hires a head coach who prefers a different defensive coordinator. Falcons owner Arthur Blank has expressed support for retaining Ulbrich, calling him a strong candidate to stay under the new regime.
Ulbrich, who previously served as interim head coach for the New York Jets in 2024, transformed Atlanta’s defense into one of the league’s best units in 2025. His work made him a “red-hot” name in coordinator circles, which is why the denial feels like a brutal setback for Dallas.
Why the Cowboys Are Desperate for a New Defensive Coordinator
Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich speaking on 4/30/2025 via Joe Patrick On Twitter
The Cowboys parted ways with Eberflus shortly after the 2025 regular season ended. Under his watch, Dallas suffered through one of the worst defensive performances in franchise history:
Allowed a record 511 points (most in team history)
Ranked last in the NFL in points allowed
Gave up the most passing yards in the NFL
Allowed 35 touchdowns (31st)
Only 6 interceptions
23rd in rushing yards allowed (2,133)
24 rushing touchdowns allowed
This marked the fourth defensive coordinator in four years for Dallas (following Dan Quinn, Mike Zimmer, and Eberflus), highlighting ongoing instability on that side of the ball.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer emphasized the need for a great teacher, communicator, and someone passionate about football who can simplify complex schemes. The hire will be a collaborative decision involving Schottenheimer, owner Jerry Jones, and EVP Stephen Jones.
Cowboys’ Current Defensive Coordinator Candidates
The team has quickly pivoted and requested interviews with several rising assistants (many with strong ties to defensive backs/pass game expertise):
Jim Leonhard (Denver Broncos defensive pass game coordinator / assistant head coach) – A hot name with prior college success and NFL experience; Schottenheimer knows him from their Jets days.
Daronte Jones (Minnesota Vikings defensive pass game coordinator)
Ephraim Banda (Cleveland Browns safeties coach)
Interviews with Jones and Banda were expected to begin as early as Friday, January 9, 2026. None of these candidates have prior NFL defensive coordinator experience, signaling a potential shift toward younger, teaching-focused hires rather than retreads with head coaching backgrounds.
Broader NFL Coaching Carousel Context
The denial comes amid a busy offseason:
Multiple teams (including Atlanta) are hunting for head coaches and coordinators.
Ulbrich’s future remains tied to Atlanta’s head coaching hire.
Other names like Brian Flores (Vikings) have been floated in media speculation, though not confirmed for Dallas.
Dallas fans are hoping the team lands a strong fit to fix the defense and avoid another disappointing season in 2026.
