The first domino that needs to fall on the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 offseason to-do list is filling the defensive coordinator vacancy. Until Dallas develops a plan and strategy, they will have a hard time making informed decisions about roster personnel.
In their search to flesh out their coaching staff, the Cowboys appear to have done an unusual amount of due diligence in their search. At least nine candidates have been interviewed so far, and a second interview is underway as we speak.
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While the Cowboys are taking aim, the job market doesn’t appear to be doing Dallas any favors. With San Francisco DC Robert Salah leaving the 49ers to take over as head coach at Tennessee, he leaves an open seat in the Bay Area. The stability and success of the 49ers organization would make it an attractive destination for Washington, D.C. hopefuls, subsequently making life difficult for Dallas’ contending candidates.
After hiring three different defensive coordinators over the past three seasons, the Cowboys will have a hard time attracting candidates who have other options. Their historically poor showing in 2025 likely won’t appeal to coaches with other options, and the Cowboys’ turnover record will only further worsen the sales pitch.
To further complicate matters, the name rumored to be at the top of the Cowboys’ wish list is Denver assistant coach Jim Leonhard. The Broncos’ continued success means Dallas is in a bind during the recruiting process. The Cowboys could wait for Leonhard to exit and hope he buys what they’re selling when the time comes, but Leonhard is a hot name on the coaching market and it’s entirely possible a more attractive team could come calling, leaving the Cowboys in the lurch.
When asked about Leonhard’s situation, Cowboys insider Brian Broaddus had this to say on the Celebrity Love Podcast:
“I think they’re going to be patient here,” Broaddus said of the Cowboys’ handling of Leonhard. “I have a feeling they’ll know his intentions later this week.”
Suggesting that back channels could be used to gauge Leonhard’s likelihood of signing with Dallas could save the Cowboys’ front office a lot of time and energy. If Leonhard shows even a passing interest, the Cowboys may turn their attention elsewhere. With so many teams looking for a coordinator, the Cowboys must be aggressive in their search. Due diligence is great, but there’s no time.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wired: Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator search could become clear soon
