The race to win the NFC East in 2026 could be an absolute dogfight. Not only should the Dallas Cowboys be much-improved after an offseason spent revamping their defense, but the New York Giants and John Harbaugh are reportedly finalizing an agreement to make him their next head coach.
While Harbaugh technically left New York's facility without a deal in place, the Giants made sure he didn't leave without reeling him in. Harbaugh underachieved in his final years in Baltimore, but he is the culture-builder NY needs after spending much of the last decade as a laughingstock.
Nobody wants the Giants to be a respectable team again, but that might not be the only bad news facing Dallas in light of this bombshell. Nothing has been reported yet, but Harbaugh could -- emphasis on could -- hire Jim Leonhard to be his new defensive coordinator.
The Cowboys have already interviewed Leonhard for their DC vacancy, so they've got a head start, but it bears mentioning that Leonhard played for Harbaugh's Ravens in 2008.
John Harbaugh could steal Jim Leonhard from the Cowboys
A 10-year safety in the NFL, Leonhard enjoyed arguably his best season under Harbaugh. He started 13 games in '08, recording 69 tackles, six passes defended, a pick-six, five quarterback hits, and two tackles for loss. He was a vital player in Baltimore's second-ranked defense.
While their paths haven't crossed since, the bond formed in a locker room doesn't just disappear. There’s almost certainly mutual respect between Harbaugh and Leonhard.
Fortunately for the Cowboys, Harbaugh’s coaching tree runs deep. He’s expected to bring Todd Monken, his offensive coordinator in Baltimore for the past three seasons, with him to East Rutherford. He could take a similar approach with Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr, who ironically has also interviewed for Dallas' DC job.
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It’s important to reiterate that no reporting has linked Leonhard to the Giants ... yet. He’s currently preparing for the Denver Broncos’ Divisional Round matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
The Cowboys interviewed Leonhard last week, and he hasn’t taken any other defensive coordinator interviews. That could change once Denver’s season ends, but Dallas has a head start, and reporting out of Dallas suggests the team wants to bring him in for a second interview.
But don’t rule out Harbaugh showing interest. The last thing the Cowboys need is a head coach of his stature targeting Leonhard.