There is arguably no more important move the Dallas Cowboys will make in the entire 2026 offseason than who they hire as their next defensive coordinator. Now that the team has officially moved on from Matt Eberflus in that role (and other teams have started making coaching moves as well), the dreaming of top targets to fill it can commence.
The Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in the NFL this past year, and part of that was the fault of Jerry Jones. Although Eberflus ended up being the scapegoat, the presence of someone like, oh I don't know, a Micah Parsons type of player, could have made a world of difference for this unit.
There's no time to cry over spilled milk in Dallas, however. The next defensive coordinator has a chance to come in and make a huge impression if they can turn this unit around in short order. Who are the top candidates to come in and do exactly that?
Jonathan Gannon tops list of potential Cowboys defensive coordinator targets
1. Jonathan Gannon (former Cardinals head coach)
Jonathan Gannon is a very familiar name to the Cowboys' fan base, and for a variety of reasons. One of the few wins his Cardinals team got this past year was against Dallas, but Gannon spent years with the Philadelphia Eagles running their defense under Nick Sirianni. He knows the division well, and the opportunity to come and call the shots for the Cowboys' defense could be his fast track to another head coaching opportunity.
Gannon was an outstanding coordinator for the Eagles, obviously, and did such a great job with talent development and getting after the quarterback while he was there. He has a great ability to maximize talent, which he did defensively in Arizona despite the team's overall struggles.
2. Brian Flores (Vikings defensive coordinator)
The Minnesota Vikings are likely working to extend Brian Flores as we speak, but he is currently one of the top free agent defensive coordinators out there. I think you could put him right up there with Jonathan Gannon as a top-flight candidate for the Cowboys, and someone who would be an A-plus hire if they can get him.
Flores's defenses with the Vikings have been incredible, and he's been able to get the most out of those units while lacking talent at the cornerback position. Flores is one of the most aggressive defensive coordinators in the NFL, and that type of aggressive nature gives his players so much confidence.
The Vikings ranked 7th in points allowed this season and 5th in points allowed last year. It doesn't get much better than that.
3. Raheem Morris (former Falcons head caoch)
Raheem Morris has long been considered one of the most respected coaches in the entire NFL. There is a reason why he's been so involved with so many good teams both as an offensive coach and defensive coordinator. This guy knows what he's doing out there.
The Falcons hired Morris to be their head coach after a three-year stint he had with the Los Angeles Rams as their defensive coordinator. Of course, the Rams have had one of the best defenses in the NFL for years, even amidst a retooling of their roster following the 2021 season.
Morris was able to help in the development of some core pieces on that roster before he left for Atlanta. If Brian Schottenheimer wants a "head coach" of the defense, he's got three really great options right now.
4. Jeff Ulbrich (former Falcons defensive coordinator)
Remember when the New York Jets had one of the best defenses in the league? They were 4th in points allowed in 2022 and 12th in points allowed in 2023, and the man responsible for those units was Jeff Ulbrich.
Of course, Robert Saleh had something to do with it as well, but we saw Ulbrich help. turn around a Falcons defense this year in what has to be considered one of the most underrated and impressive coaching efforts of the year. Their points allowed per game decreased considerably, but the way Ulbrich was able to resurrect the pass rush in Atlanta was his finest work.
He has a track record building right now, and would be a fine candidate for the Cowboys.
5. Jim Leonhard (Broncos defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator)
Many NFL fans will remember Jim Leonhard from his playing days as well as his time as a defensive coordinator at Wisconsin. Leonhard was once considered one of the hottest head coach candidates at the college level, but an injury forced him to take a minor role on Bret Bielema's staff a handful of years ago before he made the jump up to the pros to work for Sean Payton and the Broncos.
With Vance Joseph interviewing for head coach vacancies around the league, Leonhard will likely get a blank check to return to Denver as their defensive coordinator to keep continuity. However, if Joseph stays in Denver, Leonhard might want to take a job like the one Dallas has available.
He's a defensive backs specialist, but has future head coach qualities. And he's called defense before, but will certainly be ready for a full-time defensive coordinator position in 2026.