The Dallas Cowboys are leaving no stone unturned in their search for a new defensive coordinator, having already conducted several interviews, including a virtual session with internal candidate Aaron Whitecotton, as they aim to find the right fit for their defensive scheme.

The team is deliberately casting a wide net, not limiting their meetings to veteran coaches they already know, signaling an aggressive approach to hiring someone capable of reshaping a defense that has underperformed in recent seasons.

Among the names being considered is a former head coach who has recently become available and has existing ties to a member of the Cowboys’ current staff, creating a potential connection that could influence the hiring process.

Jonathan Gannon, who spent three seasons as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, is set to meet with Dallas, according to multiple reports, adding a high-profile candidate to a search that already includes seasoned NFL coordinators.

Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News first reported the news, noting that former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr will also interview for the position, rounding out a diverse group of candidates for the Cowboys’ open defensive coordinator role.

“The #Cowboys are scheduled to interview former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon for their open DC position, per source,” Hoyt tweeted, highlighting the immediate interest Dallas has in candidates with head coaching experience.

They will also interview former Ravens DC Zach Orr, a DeSoto and University of North Texas product, according to Hoyt, underscoring the team’s willingness to consider both experienced leaders and rising stars from reputable coaching trees.

Dallas has prior knowledge of Gannon, having seen his work firsthand during his two years as defensive coordinator for their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, giving them a strong baseline for evaluating his coaching style and philosophy.

Additionally, Gannon has ties to Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who spent two years on Gannon’s staff with the Cardinals, creating a preexisting relationship that could help with communication and integration within the Dallas staff.

Adams, who served as the Cardinals’ offensive line coach in 2023 and 2024, earned recognition for his work in the run game, giving the Cowboys insight into Gannon’s tendencies as a coach and how he interacts with position coaches on both sides of the ball.

Despite his experience, there is one major concern with Jonathan Gannon, stemming from his earlier career when he served as defensive backs coach for the Indianapolis Colts before moving on to coordinator roles, which raises questions about his adaptability.

During his time with the Colts, Gannon worked under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who was fired after only one season with the Cowboys, leaving Dallas cautious about bringing in a coach whose system could mirror the inflexibility they just moved on from.

If the Cowboys pursue Gannon, they will need to ensure that his defensive philosophy allows for creativity and adjustment, rather than adhering rigidly to the schemes that contributed to Dallas’s struggles under Eberflus.

On the other hand, Zach Orr presents a compelling alternative as a candidate with a strong background in coaching, experience with successful teams, and exposure to some of the league’s most respected defensive minds.

Orr’s coaching journey includes two stints with the Baltimore Ravens, beginning in 2017 as an analyst, which allowed him to learn foundational aspects of NFL defensive strategy and grow within one of the league’s most respected organizations.

He returned to the Ravens in 2022 as a linebacker coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2024, stepping in after Mike Macdonald left to take a job with the Seattle Seahawks, demonstrating trust from the organization in his leadership abilities.

During his time with Baltimore, Orr worked closely with both Macdonald and head coach John Harbaugh, providing him with exposure to advanced defensive concepts, player management strategies, and the nuances of coordinating an NFL defense at the highest level.

These experiences have shaped Orr into a coach well-versed in modern defensive strategies, capable of adjusting schemes and tailoring game plans to the personnel available, which could be a key selling point for Dallas after dealing with rigidity under Eberflus.

The Cowboys’ search demonstrates a deliberate balance between experience and potential, as they weigh candidates like Gannon, with head coaching and coordinator experience, against younger innovators like Orr, who bring fresh ideas from proven defensive systems.

Additionally, the interview process reflects Dallas’s desire to integrate coaches who can communicate effectively with the current staff, particularly offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, ensuring collaboration between units to improve overall team performance.

Hiring the right defensive coordinator will be critical for Dallas as the team seeks to improve its record in the NFC East and beyond, especially considering the competitive landscape featuring powerhouse offenses and elite quarterbacks across the league.

The Cowboys are also focused on identifying a leader who can develop young defensive talent, instill accountability, and cultivate a culture of consistency that has sometimes been lacking in recent seasons, particularly in high-pressure game situations.

With playoff contention always on the horizon, the next defensive coordinator must be able to adapt in-game strategies, counter opposing offenses, and make adjustments mid-game, which was an area of concern under the previous coordinator.

Dallas fans and analysts alike are watching this hiring process closely, understanding that the decision will have long-term implications for the team’s competitiveness, identity, and potential for sustained success in the NFC.

Gannon brings a wealth of experience from both coordinator and head coaching roles, but questions remain about his adaptability and flexibility, especially compared to the more modern, versatile schemes that have thrived elsewhere in the NFL.

Orr, meanwhile, offers a strong pedigree from the Ravens coaching tree, which has produced numerous successful coordinators and head coaches, providing the Cowboys with confidence in his technical knowledge and leadership potential.

The interview stage is just the beginning, as Dallas evaluates personality fit, strategic vision, and leadership style alongside pure technical expertise, aiming to make a hire that will reshape the team’s defense for the coming seasons.

Ultimately, the Cowboys are approaching this search methodically, seeking a defensive coordinator who combines experience, creativity, and adaptability, while also complementing the existing coaching staff and building a defense capable of contending in the playoff-driven NFL landscape.

As the process unfolds, the decisions made in this offseason will be scrutinized heavily, but they will define Dallas’s defensive identity and have a direct impact on the team’s trajectory in the NFC for years to come.

By considering candidates like Jonathan Gannon and Zach Orr, Dallas is signaling a commitment to thorough evaluation and strategic hiring, ensuring that the next defensive coordinator is equipped to lead, innovate, and succeed at the highest level.

For now, the Cowboys continue to navigate the interview process, weighing experience against potential, tradition against innovation, and personality against tactical acumen, all in pursuit of the coach who can take Dallas’s defense to the next level.

The outcome of this search will not only influence the 2026 season but will also shape the future of the franchise’s defensive philosophy, making every interview, discussion, and evaluation critical to long-term success.