The Dallas Cowboys' search for a new defensive coordinator is officially underway.
Per reports, Dallas has requested interviews with Broncos defensive passing game coordinator and assistant head coach Jim Leonhard, Vikings passing game coordinator Daronte Jones, and Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda. It is an encouraging sign that the process has started with well-regarded assistants who haven't called plays in the NFL or served as head coaches.
The Cowboys hoped to add a fourth name to the mix, but they were denied by the Falcons to talk with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, per ESPN's Todd Archer. Since Ulbrich would be making a lateral move if he joined Dallas, Atlanta has the power to block the Cowboys' request.
Falcons deny Cowboys' request to interview Jeff Ulbrich for defensive coordinator opening
What makes the denial surprising is that the Falcons are searching for a new head coach and general manager.
It's clear that owner Arthur Blank thinks highly of Ulbrich and would like to keep him on as DC, but that's no guarantee. Their new HC might have a different defensive coordinator in mind, which would allow the Cowboys to revisit a potential interview with Ulbrich.
As much respect as Blank has for Ulbrich, it's pretty selfish to deny Ulbrich other opportunities while leaving him at the mercy of the eventual new head coach. That is not the norm in the NFL.
READ MORE: Cowboys' dream DC candidate officially enters mix after first interview requests
Even if Ulbrich wants to remain in Atlanta, there’s no guarantee the next head coach will retain him. And if the Falcons take their time hiring a replacement who prefers his own defensive coordinator, Ulbrich could quickly fall behind in the interview cycle.
Make no mistake: Ulbrich is a hot commodity. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport previously reported that Ulbrich is a top DC candidate and there is "plenty of interest already for him to interview elsewhere."
The crudeness of Blank's decision notwithstanding, it's a good sign for the Cowboys' search that Ulbrich is on their radar. The Falcons tallied the seventh-most takeaways of any defense in 2025, while ranking fourth in sack rate, seventh in interception rate, and 15th in EPA per play. That is highly impressive for a defense that started three rookies and doesn't boast any household names.
Even if Ulbrich eventually interviews with Dallas, the Falcons have no doubt made an enemy out of Jerry Jones.