{"id":138245,"date":"2026-01-12T01:58:55","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T01:58:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138245"},"modified":"2026-01-12T01:58:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T01:58:55","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-coaching-search-widens-the-dallas-cowboys-are-planning-more-defensive-coordinator-interviews-in-week-2-and-the-message-is-clear-this-search-is-far-from-settled-what-began-as","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138245","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 COACHING SEARCH WIDENS: The Dallas Cowboys are planning more defensive coordinator interviews in Week 2, and the message is clear \u2014 this search is far from settled. What began as a short list is quietly expanding as Dallas rechecks its priorities. Insiders say the front office is testing philosophies, not just r\u00e9sum\u00e9s. One unexpected candidate could change the tone of this entire process \ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 data-start=\"490\" data-end=\"597\"><strong data-start=\"493\" data-end=\"597\">Cowboys Begin Crucial Defensive Coordinator Search as Brian Flores Emerges as Potential Game-Changer<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_1369,y_253,w_5547,h_3120\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_1440:810,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/ImagnImages\/mmsport\/cowboys_country\/01keqcxhe5jyat3e6qw9.jpg\" alt=\"Cowboys plan more defensive coordinator interviews for Week 2 of search\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"599\" data-end=\"733\">The <strong data-start=\"603\" data-end=\"644\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Dallas Cowboys<\/span><\/span><\/strong> are officially deep into one of the most consequential searches of their 2026 offseason.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"973\">After a disastrous defensive campaign in 2025, Dallas has begun the process of identifying its next defensive coordinator, a hire that could determine whether the franchise rebounds quickly or continues to spiral on that side of the ball.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"975\" data-end=\"1147\">Over the past several days, the Cowboys have already completed <strong data-start=\"1038\" data-end=\"1058\">three interviews<\/strong>, signaling urgency from a front office that understands the magnitude of the task ahead.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1152\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1154\" data-end=\"1226\"><strong data-start=\"1158\" data-end=\"1226\">Cowboys Complete First Round of Defensive Coordinator Interviews<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1314\">Dallas has interviewed the following candidates for the defensive coordinator vacancy:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1316\" data-end=\"1658\">\n<li data-start=\"1316\" data-end=\"1435\">\n<p data-start=\"1318\" data-end=\"1435\"><strong data-start=\"1318\" data-end=\"1359\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Daronte Jones<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, defensive pass game coordinator, <strong data-start=\"1394\" data-end=\"1435\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Minnesota Vikings<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1436\" data-end=\"1538\">\n<p data-start=\"1438\" data-end=\"1538\"><strong data-start=\"1438\" data-end=\"1479\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Ephraim Banda<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, safeties coach, <strong data-start=\"1497\" data-end=\"1538\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Cleveland Browns<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1539\" data-end=\"1658\">\n<p data-start=\"1541\" data-end=\"1658\"><strong data-start=\"1541\" data-end=\"1582\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Jim Leonhard<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, defensive pass game coordinator, <strong data-start=\"1617\" data-end=\"1658\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Denver Broncos<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1871\">According to <strong data-start=\"1673\" data-end=\"1714\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Calvin Watkins<\/span><\/span><\/strong> of <em data-start=\"1718\" data-end=\"1743\">The Dallas Morning News<\/em>, Leonhard completed his interview on Saturday, making him the final candidate in the initial trio to speak with club officials.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"1873\" data-end=\"2028\">\n<p data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"2028\">\u201cAfter the Cowboys conducted three interviews for their vacant DC spot, the organization has plans to interview more people next week,\u201d Watkins reported.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"2030\" data-end=\"2154\">This early group reflects a mix of young schematic minds and position coaches with reputations for teaching and development.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2156\" data-end=\"2215\">But the most intriguing name has yet to enter the building.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2217\" data-end=\"2220\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2222\" data-end=\"2280\"><strong data-start=\"2226\" data-end=\"2280\">Brian Flores Looms as the Most High-Profile Target<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2282\" data-end=\"2462\">All eyes now turn to <strong data-start=\"2303\" data-end=\"2344\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Brian Flores<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings and one of the most respected defensive architects in the league.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2464\" data-end=\"2551\">Flores has been linked to Dallas since the position became vacant, and for good reason.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2553\" data-end=\"2679\">His defenses are aggressive, adaptable, and built around confusion and pressure \u2014 qualities the Cowboys sorely lacked in 2025.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2681\" data-end=\"2839\">Flores interviewed for <strong data-start=\"2704\" data-end=\"2741\">head coaching vacancies last week<\/strong>, and league rules now allow him to interview for defensive coordinator roles beginning Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2841\" data-end=\"2923\">Whether Dallas can convince him to accept a lateral move remains the key question.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2925\" data-end=\"2928\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2930\" data-end=\"2985\"><strong data-start=\"2934\" data-end=\"2985\">Would Flores Consider a Lateral Move to Dallas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2987\" data-end=\"3062\">On paper, Flores would almost certainly prefer a head coaching opportunity.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3064\" data-end=\"3126\">However, the Cowboys offer something few coordinator jobs can.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3151\">Elite defensive talent.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3153\" data-end=\"3172\">National spotlight.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3174\" data-end=\"3233\">And the chance to rehabilitate a unit that hit rock bottom.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3235\" data-end=\"3414\">If Flores believes the right head coaching opportunity is not available, Dallas could present a high-leverage platform to rebuild his profile while working with premium personnel.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3416\" data-end=\"3465\">That said, the Cowboys are not guaranteed access.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3467\" data-end=\"3470\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3472\" data-end=\"3529\"><strong data-start=\"3476\" data-end=\"3529\">Cowboys Denied Interview Request for Jeff Ulbrich<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3531\" data-end=\"3699\">Dallas also requested permission to interview <strong data-start=\"3577\" data-end=\"3618\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Jeff Ulbrich<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, but that request was denied by the <strong data-start=\"3655\" data-end=\"3698\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Atlanta Falcons<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3701\" data-end=\"3912\">Atlanta\u2019s refusal comes amid its own organizational uncertainty, as the franchise searches for a new head coach after firing <strong data-start=\"3826\" data-end=\"3869\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Raheem Morris<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, another name previously linked to Dallas.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3914\" data-end=\"4019\">The denial further narrows the Cowboys\u2019 pool and underscores the competitive nature of this hiring cycle.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4021\" data-end=\"4024\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"4026\" data-end=\"4080\"><strong data-start=\"4030\" data-end=\"4080\">Why This Hire Matters More Than Any Other Move<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4082\" data-end=\"4198\">Whoever takes over as defensive coordinator in Dallas will inherit one of the league\u2019s most challenging assignments.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4200\" data-end=\"4244\">The Cowboys finished the 2025 season ranked:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4246\" data-end=\"4514\">\n<li data-start=\"4246\" data-end=\"4308\">\n<p data-start=\"4248\" data-end=\"4308\"><strong data-start=\"4248\" data-end=\"4275\">No. 30 in total defense<\/strong>, allowing <strong data-start=\"4286\" data-end=\"4308\">377 yards per game<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4309\" data-end=\"4405\">\n<p data-start=\"4311\" data-end=\"4405\"><strong data-start=\"4311\" data-end=\"4358\">Last in the NFL in passing defense (No. 32)<\/strong>, surrendering <strong data-start=\"4373\" data-end=\"4405\">251.5 passing yards per game<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4406\" data-end=\"4468\">\n<p data-start=\"4408\" data-end=\"4468\"><strong data-start=\"4408\" data-end=\"4441\">35 passing touchdowns allowed<\/strong>, second-most in the league<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4469\" data-end=\"4514\">\n<p data-start=\"4471\" data-end=\"4514\"><strong data-start=\"4471\" data-end=\"4514\">League-high 60 total touchdowns allowed<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4516\" data-end=\"4550\">Simply put, the defense collapsed.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4552\" data-end=\"4582\">The Cowboys were not just bad.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4584\" data-end=\"4631\">They were historically ineffective in coverage.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4584\" data-end=\"4631\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com\/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQWzDrjgjw7JHYaZZcBeEpWFDjiIMHBQc0Rvg&amp;s\" alt=\"The Cowboys will take a different tack in search for 4th defensive  coordinator in 4 years\" \/><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4633\" data-end=\"4636\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"4638\" data-end=\"4686\"><strong data-start=\"4642\" data-end=\"4686\">Matt Eberflus Era Ends in Disappointment<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4688\" data-end=\"4846\">Former defensive coordinator <strong data-start=\"4717\" data-end=\"4760\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Matt Eberflus<\/span><\/span><\/strong> was unable to stabilize the unit, despite entering the season with high expectations.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4848\" data-end=\"4992\">The Cowboys\u2019 inability to generate turnovers, disguise coverages, or limit explosive plays consistently put the offense in impossible positions.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4994\" data-end=\"5105\">Dallas also struggled mightily to generate interceptions, finishing near the bottom of the league in takeaways.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5107\" data-end=\"5155\">That failure alone cost the team multiple games.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5157\" data-end=\"5160\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"5162\" data-end=\"5226\"><strong data-start=\"5166\" data-end=\"5226\">What the Next Defensive Coordinator Must Fix Immediately<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5228\" data-end=\"5300\">The new coordinator will need to address several core issues right away:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5302\" data-end=\"5540\">\n<li data-start=\"5302\" data-end=\"5361\">\n<p data-start=\"5304\" data-end=\"5361\"><strong data-start=\"5304\" data-end=\"5332\">Pass coverage breakdowns<\/strong>, especially in zone concepts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5362\" data-end=\"5425\">\n<p data-start=\"5364\" data-end=\"5425\"><strong data-start=\"5364\" data-end=\"5393\">Lack of disguise pre-snap<\/strong>, making the defense predictable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5426\" data-end=\"5456\">\n<p data-start=\"5428\" data-end=\"5456\"><strong data-start=\"5428\" data-end=\"5456\">Poor red zone efficiency<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5457\" data-end=\"5490\">\n<p data-start=\"5459\" data-end=\"5490\"><strong data-start=\"5459\" data-end=\"5490\">Failure to create turnovers<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5491\" data-end=\"5540\">\n<p data-start=\"5493\" data-end=\"5540\"><strong data-start=\"5493\" data-end=\"5540\">Inconsistent communication in the secondary<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5542\" data-end=\"5568\">These are not small fixes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5570\" data-end=\"5631\">They require philosophical change, not just schematic tweaks.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5633\" data-end=\"5636\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"5638\" data-end=\"5685\"><strong data-start=\"5642\" data-end=\"5685\">Why Brian Flores Fits What Dallas Needs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5687\" data-end=\"5747\">Flores\u2019 track record suggests he could deliver exactly that.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5749\" data-end=\"5804\">His defenses in New England and Minnesota consistently:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5806\" data-end=\"5953\">\n<li data-start=\"5806\" data-end=\"5852\">\n<p data-start=\"5808\" data-end=\"5852\">Confuse quarterbacks with simulated pressure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5853\" data-end=\"5903\">\n<p data-start=\"5855\" data-end=\"5903\">Create negative plays without excessive blitzing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5904\" data-end=\"5953\">\n<p data-start=\"5906\" data-end=\"5953\">Adapt week to week based on opponent tendencies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5955\" data-end=\"6031\">More importantly, Flores has shown an ability to maximize imperfect rosters.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6033\" data-end=\"6106\">That matters in Dallas, where talent exists but cohesion has been absent.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6108\" data-end=\"6111\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"6113\" data-end=\"6155\"><strong data-start=\"6117\" data-end=\"6155\">The Stakes for Dallas Are Enormous<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"6157\" data-end=\"6199\">This hire will not be viewed in isolation.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6201\" data-end=\"6215\">It will shape:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6217\" data-end=\"6310\">\n<li data-start=\"6217\" data-end=\"6235\">\n<p data-start=\"6219\" data-end=\"6235\">Draft priorities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6236\" data-end=\"6258\">\n<p data-start=\"6238\" data-end=\"6258\">Free agent targeting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6259\" data-end=\"6279\">\n<p data-start=\"6261\" data-end=\"6279\">Player development<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6280\" data-end=\"6310\">\n<p data-start=\"6282\" data-end=\"6310\">Long-term defensive identity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"6312\" data-end=\"6379\">If Dallas gets this wrong, the consequences could linger for years.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6381\" data-end=\"6433\">If they get it right, the turnaround could be swift.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6381\" data-end=\"6433\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1TCJIC.img?w=1200&amp;h=800&amp;m=4&amp;q=89\" alt=\"Potential Cowboys' defensive coordinator search gets more intriguing before  it even begins\" \/><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6435\" data-end=\"6438\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"6440\" data-end=\"6498\"><strong data-start=\"6444\" data-end=\"6498\">Final Outlook: A Defining Decision for the Cowboys<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"6500\" data-end=\"6561\">The Cowboys have taken the first steps by casting a wide net.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6563\" data-end=\"6596\">But the real test is still ahead.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6598\" data-end=\"6763\">Whether Dallas can land a difference-maker like Brian Flores \u2014 or must settle for a developmental option \u2014 will define the trajectory of the franchise entering 2026.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6765\" data-end=\"6868\">For a team that cannot afford another defensive collapse, this decision carries franchise-level weight.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6870\" data-end=\"6913\">And for Cowboys fans, the message is clear.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6915\" data-end=\"6957\">This is not just another coordinator hire.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6959\" data-end=\"7030\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">This is the most important defensive decision Dallas has made in years.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cowboys Begin Crucial Defensive Coordinator Search as Brian Flores Emerges as Potential Game-Changer The Dallas Cowboys are officially deep into one of the most consequential searches of&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":138248,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-138245","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>\ud83d\udea8 COACHING SEARCH WIDENS: The Dallas Cowboys are planning more defensive coordinator interviews in Week 2, and the message is clear \u2014 this search is far from settled. What began as a short list is quietly expanding as Dallas rechecks its priorities. Insiders say the front office is testing philosophies, not just r\u00e9sum\u00e9s. One unexpected candidate could change the tone of this entire process \ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138245\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\ud83d\udea8 COACHING SEARCH WIDENS: The Dallas Cowboys are planning more defensive coordinator interviews in Week 2, and the message is clear \u2014 this search is far from settled. What began as a short list is quietly expanding as Dallas rechecks its priorities. Insiders say the front office is testing philosophies, not just r\u00e9sum\u00e9s. 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