Dallas Cowboys Begin In-Person Interviews for Defensive Coordinator Role

The Dallas Cowboys are officially in search of a new defensive coordinator after a disappointing 2025 season saw the team surrender more than 30 points per game under Matt Eberflus. Eberflus, a veteran coach with an impressive résumé, was relieved of his duties after just one year, leaving the Cowboys with a defense in desperate need of restructuring.

Dallas’ front office has made it clear that fixing the defense is a top priority for 2026. The team has moved quickly, casting a wide net for candidates and showing a willingness to consider rising coaching talent rather than relying solely on the pool of former head coaches they traditionally tapped in the past.

So far, the Cowboys have conducted nine interviews, with most being in-person meetings—a clear sign that the organization wants to meet candidates face-to-face and assess their philosophies, communication skills, and leadership abilities beyond just résumés and recommendations.

First Round of In-Person Interviews

On Friday, news broke that the Cowboys will begin in-person interviews with Minnesota Vikings defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones, scheduled for Saturday. Following that, they are expected to meet with former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon early next week.

These two candidates represent contrasting but complementary coaching backgrounds, providing the Cowboys with multiple approaches to rebuild a defense that struggled mightily in 2025.

Daronte Jones: Aggressive Pass Defense Architect

Daronte Jones has made a name for himself as a defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator-in-waiting. He began his NFL career under Mike Zimmer with the Vikings in 2020, where he learned from one of the league’s most respected defensive minds. After a brief return to the college ranks at LSU in 2021, Jones came back to Minnesota and was promoted to defensive pass game coordinator under Brian Flores.

In 2025, Jones helped Flores engineer the No. 2 pass defense in the NFL, demonstrating his ability to design aggressive, opportunistic schemes that limit explosive plays and generate turnovers.

Jones is known for his energetic, high-intensity approach and his ability to develop young defensive backs into starting-caliber players. Cowboys executives view his style as potentially transformative, capable of instilling discipline and aggressiveness in a unit that showed both talent and inconsistency last season.

Jonathan Gannon: Experience at the Highest Level

Jonathan Gannon brings a different type of experience to the table. The former Arizona Cardinals head coach spent the past three seasons with the team, compiling a 15-36 record. While the win-loss record leaves much to be desired, it’s important to consider his broader defensive résumé.

Before his head coaching stint, Gannon served as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he guided the team to two top-10 defenses in consecutive seasons and a Super Bowl appearance following the 2022 season.

Gannon is praised for his ability to structure cohesive units, balance blitzing schemes with coverage integrity, and adjust dynamically to opposing offenses. His experience leading a full NFL team—even in a struggling Cardinals tenure—provides him with insights into personnel management, game planning, and situational strategy that could be invaluable to a Cowboys defense in transition.

Christian Parker and Other Candidates

Jones and Gannon aren’t the only names in consideration. The Cowboys are also expected to schedule an in-person interview with Christian Parker, the current defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Eagles.

Parker, 34, has been recognized for his work developing NFL secondaries, implementing modern coverage schemes, and preparing players for complex offensive sets. His relative youth and innovative approach make him an intriguing candidate for a franchise eager to embrace a new defensive philosophy.

Meanwhile, Dallas reportedly remains interested in Denver Broncos assistant head coach and pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard. However, scheduling conflicts mean they will have to wait until either the Broncos are eliminated from the playoffs or until the bye week before the Super Bowl. Leonhard’s experience and tactical acumen make him a high-profile option for the Cowboys, but timing constraints may push the team to focus on other candidates first.

Why This Search Matters

The Cowboys’ defensive woes in 2025 were among the league’s worst, with the unit ranking near the bottom in points allowed per game. Addressing these deficiencies is essential not only for immediate success but for long-term stability.

By targeting both established coordinators like Gannon and rising stars like Jones and Parker, Dallas demonstrates a commitment to a multi-faceted search process. They are weighing experience, innovation, and leadership qualities to ensure the next defensive coordinator can not only scheme effectively but also manage the personalities and dynamics of the locker room.

This approach marks a departure from previous years, when the Cowboys often pursued former head coaches or familiar veterans. By broadening the pool, they increase the likelihood of landing a coach capable of modernizing the defense while maximizing the talent on the roster.

Next Steps

The immediate focus for the Cowboys is the first round of in-person interviews, beginning with Jones on Saturday and Gannon early next week. Parker is expected to follow shortly thereafter.

After evaluating candidates, the Cowboys’ front office will need to make a decision that balances immediate defensive improvement with long-term organizational vision. Whoever is chosen will inherit a talented but underperforming unit and will be tasked with delivering consistency, adaptability, and results in a highly competitive NFC environment.

Conclusion

The Cowboys’ defensive coordinator search is entering a critical stage, with top candidates like Daronte Jones, Jonathan Gannon, and Christian Parker bringing a mix of experience, innovation, and fresh perspective.

As the organization moves through the interview process, the ultimate hire could redefine the team’s defensive identity and set the stage for Dallas’ 2026 campaign. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, knowing that the next coordinator could be the difference between a middling defense and a championship contender.