The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly on the lookout for a new defensive coordinator following the dismissal of Matt Eberflus. Eberflus”s tenure ended after a disappointing season where the team”s defense significantly undermined their playoff ambitions.
Traditionally, the Cowboys have favored hiring defensive coordinators with prior head coaching or coordinator experience. However, analyst Brad Gagnon from Bleacher Report suggests that this time, team owner Jerry Jones might opt for a different approach. Gagnon predicts that the Cowboys could hire Jim Leonhard, the current defensive passing-game coordinator and assistant head coach for the Denver Broncos.
“The current Broncos defensive pass game coordinator is on the rise and would be a breath of fresh air for Dallas,” Gagnon stated. He further added, “Assuming the Cowboys can”t reel in Brian Flores, a change of pace like this makes a lot of sense.”
Leonhard is a strong candidate, as the Cowboys have already interviewed him during their search process. He has an extensive background as a defensive back in the NFL, playing for teams such as the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Broncos over a 10-season career.
Following his playing days, Leonhard transitioned into coaching at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin. Starting as the defensive backs coach in 2016, he progressed to become both the defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2022. In 2024, he took his first NFL coaching position with the Broncos, initially as the defensive backs coach and passing-game coordinator. By the following year, he had taken on the role of assistant head coach while his passing-game coordinator title was removed.
During Leonhard”s time as the defensive backs coach, cornerback Patrick Surtain II clinched the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024, and the Broncos ranked seventh in the league for pass defense in 2025. This performance will be particularly appealing to the Cowboys, who struggled defensively, finishing last against the pass in the previous season.
While skepticism remains regarding whether Jerry Jones will indeed choose to break from tradition with the next defensive coordinator hire, Leonhard”s potential appointment could represent a significant opportunity to enhance a defense that has faced considerable challenges.
As the Cowboys continue their search, fans will be keeping a close eye on whether the franchise will embrace change or maintain its established hiring patterns.
