Dallas Cowboys Seeking New Defensive Coordinator After Another Disappointing Season
For the second consecutive year, the Dallas Cowboys missed out on a playoff berth, finishing with a 7-9-1 record that left fans and players alike feeling frustrated and disappointed. While the offense, led by rookie head coach Brian Schottenheimer, showed significant promise, it was the defense that continued to struggle. Despite some offensive success, the Cowboys’ defense crumbled under the leadership of Matt Eberflus, leading to his dismissal after another underwhelming season. Now, Dallas is on the lookout for its fourth defensive coordinator since 2023 in an effort to turn the tide and become true Super Bowl contenders.
The Cowboys’ Struggles on Defense
The Cowboys’ defense had been a sore spot throughout the 2025 season, as they allowed too many big plays and failed to consistently stop opposing offenses when it mattered most. Eberflus, who was brought in with high hopes to fix the defensive unit, ultimately couldn’t produce the desired results. With the team’s playoff hopes dashed once again, it became clear that a change at the top of the defense was necessary. Eberflus’ tenure was marked by a lack of discipline, missed tackles, and an inability to adapt to different offensive schemes, leaving the Cowboys searching for answers on how to improve their defensive performance.
The Search for the Right Defensive Mind
With Eberflus now out of the picture, Schottenheimer and the Cowboys’ front office are gearing up for an extensive search to find the right person to lead their defense. As the interview process begins, an unexpected name has emerged as a potential candidate: Jim Leonhard, the former NFL safety and defensive assistant coach, now working with the Denver Broncos.
Leonhard has quickly gained respect in coaching circles for his work with Denver’s defense in 2024, and Schottenheimer, who spent several years working alongside Leonhard in New York, had high praise for him. “I saw Jim before we played Denver,” Schottenheimer said, according to The Fort Worth Star-Telegram‘s Nick Harris. “Jim’s a heck of a football coach. You talk about a great football player, man. We had some great years together in New York… You gotta speak to what Sean [Payton] and what that entire staff has done there. Vance Joseph is a guy I have a ton of respect for. Jim’s an excellent coach.”
Leonhard’s Coaching Background and Impact
Jim Leonhard’s journey to coaching began after a successful playing career, during which he earned a reputation as a hard-hitting safety with a nose for the football. Following his retirement, Leonhard transitioned into coaching, first joining the Baltimore Ravens’ staff under Rex Ryan in 2009. When Ryan became the head coach of the New York Jets, Leonhard followed him and spent several seasons working alongside Schottenheimer, who was the Jets’ offensive coordinator at the time.
Leonhard’s coaching pedigree is solid, having worked under Ryan and Vance Joseph, two defensive-minded coaches known for their ability to build strong units. His experience with the Ravens and Jets, along with his time in Denver, has allowed him to develop a well-rounded understanding of defensive football, making him an intriguing candidate for the Cowboys. With a coaching style that focuses on discipline, player development, and adaptability, Leonhard could bring the kind of structure and effectiveness the Cowboys’ defense has sorely lacked.
The Cowboys’ Dilemma: Finding Stability and Success
For the Cowboys, the need for a stable and effective defensive coordinator is clear. Since 2023, Dallas has cycled through three defensive coordinators, which has undoubtedly hindered the team’s ability to develop a consistent defensive identity. With so many changes at the top, the Cowboys have failed to build any lasting cohesion or continuity within the defensive unit.
If the Cowboys are to truly contend for championships in the coming seasons, they must find a defensive coordinator who can bring both stability and success. Jim Leonhard’s name has surfaced as a possibility, but the team will likely consider other candidates as well. The Cowboys’ defense needs a coach who can maximize the potential of their talent, fix glaring weaknesses, and implement a defensive scheme that is both effective and adaptable to the challenges of the NFC.
Moving Forward: A Focus on the Future
With the offseason now underway, the Cowboys’ front office must make key decisions about the direction of their team. After an up-and-down season that was marked by defensive struggles, the focus must shift to fixing those issues in order to improve the team’s playoff chances moving forward. The right defensive coordinator could be the missing piece to transforming the Cowboys into a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
While Schottenheimer’s offense showed flashes of brilliance under his leadership, the defense remains the biggest question mark for Dallas. If they can secure the services of a respected defensive mind like Jim Leonhard, the Cowboys could be poised to take the next step in their quest for postseason success. But regardless of who ultimately lands the job, one thing is clear: the Cowboys’ defense needs a major overhaul, and the search for a new leader is critical to their future.
Conclusion: Can Jim Leonhard Be the Answer?
The Cowboys’ defensive struggles have been a major hindrance to their success in recent seasons, and after another disappointing year, the team is taking steps to address the issue by seeking out a new defensive coordinator. Jim Leonhard, with his impressive coaching background and experience working under respected defensive coaches, could be the ideal candidate to turn things around. Whether he ultimately takes the job or not, the Cowboys’ next defensive coordinator will play a pivotal role in the team’s efforts to become a Super Bowl contender once again. The future of the Cowboys’ defense—and possibly their playoff hopes—rests in the hands of their next defensive leader.
