Who the Dallas Cowboys hire as their defensive coordinator will set the tone for the entire offseason. Until that decision is made, it’s important to monitor moves from rivals and other teams that stand in Dallas' path.
The Giants could regain their reputation after hiring John Harbaugh as their head coach, while the Commanders and Eagles are currently seeking new defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively.
The Eagles have fared well in the past after moving on from a disappointing OC, which is why Cowboys fans should be monitoring their interview process closely.
Well, Philadelphia’s top option came off the market late Tuesday, as reports surfaced that Mike McDaniel is expected to become the LA Chargers’ offensive coordinator. ESPN's Jeff Darlington noted that the Eagles pursued McDaniel as their "top OC target," and that coaching Justin Herbert ultimately swung the pendulum in the Chargers' favor.
The Bucs and the Eagles both pursued McDaniel as their top OC target. The Bucs were especially diligent in their courtship, and McDaniel was very engaged with them throughout. Ultimately, the lure of getting back to California and coaching Justin Herbert proved strongest. https://t.co/CGKw5wgGTz
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) January 21, 2026
Mike McDaniel picking the Chargers over the Eagles is great news for the Cowboys
We're not breaking any news by saying that Herbert is a better quarterback than Jalen Hurts. Sure, Herbert is still searching for his first playoff win, but at 6'6", 235 with gorgeous throwing mechanics and real mobility, he is an offensive coordinator's dream.
While the Eagles have a lot more star power than Los Angeles, no play-caller is chomping at the bit to work with Hurts. He is afraid to throw the ball in the middle of the field. McDaniel's offense is all about timing, and Hurts struggles with that. He's a slow processor and doesn't see the field well, especially when the pocket collapses.
Throw in A.J. Brown's penchant for causing drama, and the fact that the locker room seemingly teeters on the edge following every loss, it's really not surprising that McDaniel snubbed Philly. He'd win a lot of games, but at what cost? Odds are it wouldn't be an enjoyable experience.
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With the Chargers, McDaniel can call plays for the game's most physically gifted quarterback who can make every throw on the field. Not to mention, star tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt will return from injury, and rookie running back Omarion Hampton fits McDaniels' outside zone scheme like a glove.
Unlike Philly, the Chargers don't have a suffocating fan base, and the expectations aren't nearly as high. McDaniel, who coached in San Francisco for five years, will also get to enjoy the California weather.
That leaves the Eagles back at square one, and that is great news for the Cowboys. Even with Hurts' shortcomings, McDaniel in Philly would have been a nightmare.