Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator news tracker, candidates & interviews

The Dallas Cowboys have begun the search for a new defensive coordinator, so let's keep an eye on which candidates are emerging and interviewing for the job.

Wisconsin Badgers head coach Jim Leonhard during the first quarter of a game at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison | Mark Hoffman / USA TODAY NETWORK

It's been a busy start to the NFL offseason for the Dallas Cowboys, with the team making the much-needed decision to move on from defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after a season full of struggles.

The Cowboys finished the season ranked No. 30 in the league in total defense, allowing 377 total yards per game, including what is, unfortunately, a league-high 60 touchdowns.

Now that a search is underway for a replacement, the team is hoping for a complete overhaul that will also lead to key roster decisions.

MORE: Updated 2026 NFL Draft order has Cowboys eyeing top 20 entering Wild Card games

But first, the team must find the right man for the job who can put the right scheme in place.

Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda during practice at the Browns training facility | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Dallas wasted no time beginning its coordinator search, with three interviews scheduled within days of Eberflus' firing.

A closer look at the early candidates and latest news on the defensive coordinator search can be seen below.

MORE: Cowboys eye major defensive reinforcements in early 2026 NFL mock draft

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator news & rumors

Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer and owner Jerry Jones speak to the media at a press conference at The Star. | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

1/10:26 (8:00 a.m. ET): Saturday will bring an interview with one of the most intriguing candidates, Denver Broncos defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard.

Before joining the Broncos as defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator in 2024, he served as a defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Wisconsin, and had a brief stint as interim head coach. Leonhard also served as a senior football analyst at Illinois before making the jump to the NFL coaching ranks.

Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

1/9/26: The team has already conducted two interviews -- Minnesota Vikings defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones and Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda -- while a third will be conducted on Saturday.

1/8/26: The Cowboys requested to interview Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich for the vacancy, but were denied by Atlanta, which is searching for a new head coach after firing another potential Dallas candidate, Raheem Morris.

Other names that have been linked to the Cowboys are Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach Leslie Frazier, and former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

This post will be updated with the latest news and rumors surrounding the Cowboys' search for a new defensive coordinator as it becomes available.

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