After Matt Eberflus was fired at the end of the regular season, the Dallas Cowboys are casting a wide net in their search for a new defensive coordinator (DC), hoping to find a candidate who can bring fresh ideas and reinvigorate a struggling defense.
At the moment, nine potential candidates have been interviewed, but one of them is raising eyebrows among fans: former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, whose tenure in Arizona was marked by underwhelming results and leadership questions.
Since Dan Quinn left the Cowboys to join the Washington Commanders before the 2024 season, Dallas is now looking for its third defensive coordinator in as many seasons, leaving many fans concerned about the lack of continuity and long-term planning in the defensive ranks.
The team has traditionally favored hiring former head coaches like Gannon, but it seems Jerry Jones has finally learned a lesson after the Eberflus experiment, shifting the focus toward young, innovative defensive assistants who can grow with the team rather than relying on recycled names.
Instead of chasing high-profile former head coaches, the Cowboys are seeking young, dynamic defensive minds who bring fresh schematics and creative problem-solving, qualities that the current defensive unit desperately needs to improve performance after consecutive disappointing seasons.
However, this lesson hasn’t been universally learned in the league, as Dan Quinn’s Commanders also requested to interview Jonathan Gannon for their own DC opening, highlighting the ongoing fascination with former head coaches despite mixed track records.
According to Adam Schefter, Jonathan Gannon, the former Cardinals head coach, interviewed today for the Washington Commanders defensive coordinator position, showing that NFL coaching candidates often attract interest from multiple teams simultaneously, sometimes creating overlap and competition.
Since the disaster with Matt Eberflus, many experts argue that Jonathan Gannon has no business being considered for the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator job, due to lingering doubts about his leadership style and his ability to inspire a locker room after a challenging stint in Arizona.
While no one can deny that Gannon previously led highly successful Eagles defenses, those units featured some of the most talented rosters in the league, meaning his achievements may not fully reflect his ability to manage a less gifted, struggling defensive group.
Statistics from his time with the Cardinals show that Gannon’s defense ranked 26th in EPA per play and 27th in EPA per dropback last season, figures that any serious contender for playoff success would find unacceptable and alarming for a franchise like Dallas.
Looking at his overall defensive rankings by season, Gannon’s Cardinals posted: 2025 – 27th, 2024 – 21st, 2023 – 25th, numbers that highlight consistent struggles and make his candidacy controversial for a team seeking stability and improvement in their defense.
For hiring a defensive-minded coach, these rankings are catastrophic, especially when compared to leaders like Raheem Morris, who not only implement effective schemes but also inspire players to give maximum effort and buy into the team culture, something Gannon struggled to achieve in Arizona.
Questions about his leadership style persist, particularly after an incident where he shoved Cardinals running back Emari Demercado on the sideline, illustrating concerns about his ability to maintain discipline and respect in the locker room while motivating his players effectively.
Arizona also ended the season with a nine-game losing streak, during which their defense surrendered over 40 points four times and over 30 points six times, underscoring that Gannon failed to maintain control of the locker room and lost credibility with his players.
Given these facts, Dallas cannot afford to hire another defensive coordinator with questionable leadership skills, especially when the team’s defense requires stability, discipline, and a visionary approach to regain its competitive edge in the NFL.
There has been some overlap between the Cowboys’ and Commanders’ candidate lists, but realistically, this should be a situation where Brian Schottenheimer lets Dan Quinn “take the bait” and instead focuses on the current frontrunner, Jim Leonhard, whose track record and reputation make him a safer, smarter option.
Fans in Dallas are hoping for a savvy decision, targeting young, innovative defensive assistants who can adapt, evolve, and bring energy to the team, rather than chasing a high-profile name with a questionable history that could repeat past mistakes.
Choosing the next DC is not just about the upcoming season; it’s about shaping the long-term future of Dallas’ defense, requiring careful consideration of leadership, scheme design, player development, and cultural impact within the locker room.
Reflecting on the Eberflus lesson, Jerry Jones and the front office appear to recognize that hiring former head coaches is not a guaranteed success, and a strategic, long-term approach that balances innovation with proven leadership may be the only way to restore defensive credibility.
In today’s NFL, the difference between a good DC and a poor one can determine wins, losses, and playoff opportunities, and Dallas simply cannot risk another failed hire, especially with a roster that has talent but requires effective guidance to reach its potential.
Overall, interviewing Jonathan Gannon generates controversy and skepticism, whereas targeting younger, battle-tested assistants like Jim Leonhard presents a higher probability of stability, performance, and long-term success for the Cowboys’ defense.
In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys are at a critical crossroads in the history of their defense, where every decision regarding the next DC will not only affect the 2026 season but also potentially redefine the team’s defensive strategy and culture for years to come.
