Consider Cowboys’ wide net cast in search for new defensive coordinator

FRISCO — The Cowboys pledged they would cast a wide net when it came to finding a new defensive coordinator. Well, consider it cast.

The Cowboys were set to interview two defensive coordinator candidates on Friday and a third on Saturday. The Cowboys completed an interview Minnesota Vikings defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones and were scheduled to conduct one with Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda on Friday, before speaking with Denver Broncos defensive passing game coordinator Jim Leonhard on Saturday, a person familiar with the schedule told The Dallas Morning News.

All three interviews were scheduled to take place over video calls.

This will likely be the first round of interviews for the opening left after the firing of former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who lasted one season. There will likely be more.

Cowboys

The Cowboys were eligible to request interviews this week with potential candidates from teams that either didn’t make the playoffs or had a first round bye, like Denver and Seattle. Starting Tuesday, the Cowboys can also request interviews with candidates from teams in the first round of the playoffs.

Other factors should be considered when it comes to their search.

The Cowboys requested to interview Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich but were denied, another person familiar with the process told The News. Per league rules, teams don’t have to grant interview requests for coaches under contract for positions that would be considered a lateral move. The Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris after the season ended, but have interest in retaining Ulbrich as the defensive coordinator.

Morris could also be a candidate for the Cowboys defensive coordinator job, but he also has several head coaching interviews lined up.

Former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon could also be a potential candidate for the Cowboys. Team owner Jerry Jones said this week that he likes to hire coaches who are looking to redeem themselves. Dallas’ last five defensive coordinator hires, dating to 2014, have all been former head coaches: Rod Marinelli, Mike Nolan, Dan Quinn, Mike Zimmer and Eberflus.

Jones said this week that being a former head coach, or even a former NFL defensive coordinator, wouldn’t be prerequisites for their next defensive coordinator.

With their first three interview requests, they’ve shown that.

Jones, Banda and Leonhard were all a part of successful defenses this year. The Vikings (3rd), Browns (4th) and the Broncos (8th) were all top 10 in Expected Points Allowed (EPA) per play, according to RBSDM.com. EPA is a metric that provides a value toward the success of a defensive unit on a per-play basis.

All three have also been defensive coordinators in college. Jones was the defensive coordinator at LSU in 2021, Banda was the defensive coordinator from 2021-22 at Utah State, and Leonhard was the defensive coordinator at Wisconsin from 2017-22.

It’s worth noting that interviews for Jones and Banda would satisfy the league’s Rooney Rule, which mandates teams interview at least two minority candidates for general manager, head coach, and coordinator roles.

The net has been cast and the process has begun. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Cowboys netted even a wider range of candidates before they make a decision.

Commanders are promoting Carrollton’s David Blough to offensive coordinator, per report