It's taken some time, but the Dallas Cowboys' hunt to replace Matt Eberflus has kicked into higher gear.
Initial reporting has tabbed Jim Leonhard, the Broncos' defensive passing game coordinator and assistant head coach, as the early favorite, but Denver's playoff run would need to end for the process to move forward.
It was reported on Monday that defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton interviewed for the opening. Suffice it to say that is not the direction Dallas should go, but kicking the tires on an internal option is standard practice around the league.
Luckily, more candidates have entered the mix, with ESPN's Todd Archer reporting that ex-Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon will interview. In addition to Gannon, the Cowboys have also set an interview with former Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr.
Cowboys to interview Jonathan Gannon, Zach Orr for defensive coordinator job
Cowboys fans should be very familiar with Gannon. The Eagles went to the Super Bowl in 2022 with Gannon as their defensive coordinator. From there, he spent the next three seasons giving Dallas fits as the Cardinals' head coach.
Arizona handed the Cowboys an embarrassing loss on Monday Night Football in Week 8 of this season. Gannon's defense allowed 17 points and held Dak Prescott to an uncharacteristic 77.9 passer rating. It was arguably the worst showing of the season from Dallas' high-octane offense.
The Cardinals under Gannon dominated the Cowboys in 2023 as well. Dallas managed just 16 points in a 28-16 loss at State Farm Stadium. Prescott was once again inefficient, posting a 78.0 passer rating to go with just one touchdown and one interception.
READ MORE: Cowboys' DC search takes concerning turn with fourth interview confirmed
Nobody would mistake Arizona's defensive personnel with the Doomsday Defense. While Gannon finished 15-36 at the helm, his defenses consistently punched above their weight class.
On top of Jonathan Gannon’s Eagles ties, Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams has direct history with him. The two coached together with the Colts before Gannon hired Adams to coach the Cardinals’ offensive line during his second season as head coach in 2023. Given that history, it wouldn’t be surprising if Adams lobbied for Gannon behind the scenes.
If it comes down to choosing Jim Leonhard or Brian Flores over Gannon, the Cowboys should prioritize Leonhard and Flores. That said, Gannon is an intriguing fallback option if neither shakes free from Denver or Minnesota.