The Dallas Cowboys' interview process for a new defensive coordinator has begun.
Of course, the Cowboys are in the market for a new defensive play-caller following the firing of Matt Eberflus, which was a surprise to nobody after Dallas had one of the worst defenses in the NFL in 2025.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys have three interviews lined up as of right now.
Dallas is set to speak with Minnesota Vikings defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones, Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda Friday, and Denver Broncos defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard on Saturday.
"Cowboys will conduct their 1st round of defensive coordinator interviews today, speaking with Vikings defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones and Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda, then they'll speak with #Broncos defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard tomorrow," Rapoport reported.
Jones has been the Vikings' defensive backs coach for five seasons, and has been the passing-game coordinator for the past three seasons. He has over two decades of coaching experience between high school, college and the pros.
The Vikings sported the No. 2 pass defense in the NFL in 2025.
Banda spent 11 years in the college coaching ranks before taking the job with the Browns, which he has held for three seasons.
Cleveland finished right behind the Vikings are the No. 3 pass defense in the league this past season.
Leonhard is in his second season with the Broncos, but it's his first as the defensive pass-game coordinator. Leonhard also serves as the assistant head coach in Denver.
Denver finished seventh against the pass in 2025.
The Cowboys usually opt for more experienced candidates when it comes to their defensive coordinator position.
While all three of these candidates have defensive coordinator experience in college, none of them have ever held the position in the NFL.
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