<\/p>\n
The Dallas Cowboys<\/strong> are taking a measured approach as they search for a new defensive coordinator<\/strong> (DC), despite the urgency of the offseason. Several names have emerged as potential candidates, but the team’s strategy seems to hinge on some external factors, especially with the Atlanta Falcons\u2019 head coaching search<\/strong> and other coaching dominoes falling in the NFL.<\/p>\n The Cowboys<\/strong> are reportedly waiting on Atlanta<\/strong> to finalize its head coach hiring process, particularly because they have interest in Jeff Ulbrich<\/strong>, the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons<\/strong>. Jeff Ulbrich<\/strong> has become a key figure in Dallas’ DC search, with reports suggesting that the Cowboys would prefer him over other candidates like Jim Leonhard<\/strong>.<\/p>\n As discussed by Broaddus<\/strong> on the Doin’ Alright podcast<\/strong>, Dallas may want to see if Ulbrich becomes available once Atlanta hires its next head coach. If Atlanta<\/strong> decides to go in a different direction with their DC or keeps Ulbrich on the staff, the Cowboys would be positioned to offer him a prominent role. Ulbrich\u2019s experience and proven success with the Falcons<\/strong> defense have made him an appealing candidate for Dallas.<\/p>\n Interestingly, Broaddus also speculated that the Cowboys might prefer Ulbrich over Jim Leonhard<\/strong>, the fan-favorite pick for the position. Leonhard, known for his strong defensive acumen, has drawn interest from various teams, but it appears that Dallas\u2019 preference might lean toward Ulbrich if the Falcons part ways with him.<\/p>\n Another wrinkle in the DC search<\/strong> is the possibility of Kevin Stefanski<\/strong> bringing Jim Schwartz<\/strong> to Atlanta if he\u2019s hired as the Falcons’ head coach. However, the situation is complicated by Schwartz\u2019s ongoing second interview with the Cleveland Browns<\/strong> for their head coach vacancy<\/strong>. Should Schwartz stay in Cleveland, it would impact Atlanta\u2019s hiring plans and, consequently, the Cowboys’ pursuit of Ulbrich<\/strong>.<\/p>\n In addition to the Ulbrich rumors, Daronte Jones<\/strong> has emerged as another intriguing option for Dallas. Jones, who has worked with Brian Flores<\/strong>, brings a defensive philosophy that aligns with the aggressive, high-pressure approach the Cowboys seem to want to implement. According to Cody Warren<\/strong> from Inside The Star<\/strong>, Jones\u2019 experience with Flores in Minnesota gives him an edge over Jim Leonhard<\/strong>, whose defensive strategies may not be as disruptive against high-volume passing offenses.<\/p>\n Jones\u2019 more recent success in dealing with high-powered offenses might appeal to the Cowboys, who struggled with coverage and pressure this past season. Given his background in both college and the NFL, Jones might be a candidate who can help the Cowboys adjust to the evolving nature of offenses in today\u2019s league.<\/p>\n While Jim Leonhard<\/strong> remains a solid option, especially given his sharp defensive mind, Jones’ pedigree and results in similar systems could make him a more seamless fit for the Cowboys\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n Off the field, the Dallas Cowboys<\/strong> are also considering roster moves, and one of the more intriguing possibilities is a trade for George Pickens<\/strong>, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver<\/strong>. With a roster full of talented receivers, the Cowboys could look to leverage Pickens<\/strong>\u2019s value to bolster other areas of need.<\/p>\n Examining recent trades, such as the Seahawks’ deal for DK Metcalf<\/strong> or the Panthers’ trade of DJ Moore<\/strong>, provides some context for what the Cowboys could expect in return for Pickens. According to K.D. Drummond<\/strong> of Cowboys Wire<\/strong>, a potential trade for Pickens<\/strong> could fetch the Cowboys a mid-to-late first-round pick<\/strong> or possibly multiple picks, depending on the market.<\/p>\n Pickens, at just 22 years old, offers great potential as a young, dynamic receiver, but the Cowboys could decide to part with him if it leads to an improvement in other areas of the team, especially on defense.<\/p>\n In another strategic move, the Cowboys are reportedly interviewing defensive coaches who caused problems for Dak Prescott<\/strong> and the offense during the 2025 season<\/strong>. According to Dan Rogers<\/strong> of Blogging The Boys<\/strong>, several of the Cowboys’ DC candidates have had success against them. This strategy could allow Dallas to gain insight into defensive schemes that have stymied their quarterback, potentially giving them an edge in future matchups.<\/p>\n The focus on coaches who have challenged Dak Prescott<\/strong> could help the Cowboys identify defensive schemes that best counteract their offensive style. By hiring someone who knows how to exploit weaknesses in the Cowboys\u2019 offense, they could improve their overall game plan for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n The Cowboys\u2019 coaching search<\/strong> has been anything but rushed, with several key decisions still pending. Jeff Ulbrich<\/strong>, Daronte Jones<\/strong>, and Jim Leonhard<\/strong> are all names in the mix, but much of the team\u2019s strategy is contingent on external factors, such as Atlanta\u2019s head coach hiring and the results of the NFL playoffs<\/strong>. The Cowboys’ front office<\/strong> appears to be staying patient, confident that they can land a top defensive mind to help elevate their unit in 2026.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, offseason trades<\/strong> and roster moves, such as potentially dealing George Pickens<\/strong>, will continue to evolve as the Cowboys shape their team for next year. The coming weeks will reveal whether Dallas can secure a defensive coordinator<\/strong> who can help unlock the full potential of their roster \u2014 and whether the Cowboys can make a serious push for the Super Bowl in 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Cowboys\u2019 DC Search: Shifting Priorities and Potential Hires The Dallas Cowboys are taking a measured approach as they search for a new defensive coordinator (DC), despite the… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":142090,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-142083","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hot-news"],"yoast_head":"\nWaiting on Jeff Ulbrich: The Top DC Target?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Stefanski-Schwartz Connection<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Daronte Jones: A Strong Alternative to Leonhard<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"LATEST](\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/6fU9Xrp9byc\/maxresdefault.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTrade Rumors: Could the Cowboys Deal George Pickens?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Hiring Defensive Coaches Who Gave Dak Prescott Fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Conclusion: A Deliberate Approach to the Cowboys\u2019 Future<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Dallas](\"https:\/\/platform.bloggingtheboys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2026\/01\/gettyimages-2254078769.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.0062492188476426%2C100%2C99.987501562305&w=2400\")
<\/p>\n