The Dallas Cowboys failed to reach the postseason for a second consecutive year because their defense simply did not work. The departure of the soul, heart, and toughness embodied by Micah Parsons just one week before the kickoff of the 2025 season completely derailed their hopes.
Many believed his absence would not have such a significant impact. Reality has shown otherwise. It hurt them deeply. The Cowboys’ defensive front often looked like it was made of plastic at best, and in other moments, they were nothing more than spectators to the show put on by opposing offenses.
Over the last four years, the franchise has employed the same number of defensive coordinators. The most recent was Matt Eberflus, who was dismissed just a few days ago. Now, according to Stephen Jones, co-owner alongside his father, Jerry, things are set to improve considerably.
Stephen Jones’ words that excite Cowboys fans
Cowboys fans have endured three decades of mockery and disappointing seasons. When it seems like the year has finally arrived, something inevitably goes wrong, and they are eliminated from contention. Still, they remain loyal, faithfully supporting the team with the Lone Star.
According to Stephen Jones, however, that narrative could begin to change in 2026, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, where the goal is to strengthen the team and provide balance so the spotlight is not focused solely on the offense
.
I think we’re in the initial run.”…”We’re going to cast a wide net, whether it’s half a dozen, ten, 12 coaches when it’s all said and done. We’re already starting to narrow it down, and we’ll start to bring guys in for in-person interviews, some of the guys that we felt were the guys that would fit.
Stephen stated.
So far, the Cowboys have interviewed nine potential defensive coordinators:
- Daronte Jones, Vikings defensive pass game coordinator;
- Ephraim Banda, Browns safeties coach;
- Jim Leonhard, Broncos defensive pass game coordinator;
- Aaron Whitecotton, Cowboys defensive line coach;
- Zach Orr, Ravens defensive coordinator;
- Jonathan Gannon, former Cardinals head coach;
- Christian Parker, Eagles defensive passing game coordinator and DBs coach;
- Charlie Bullen, Giants interim defensive coordinator;
- DeMarcus Covington, Packers defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach
As Stephen Jones emphasized, the number of candidates does not matter. They will choose the one they believe is best for the franchise.
The guys who fit what we want to be as a defense, the identity that we want to have, that fit with the personnel that we have on the defensive side of the ball, because we think we have a lot of good pieces in place.”…”We know we have to improve not only from a coaching staff standpoint, but we also need to improve from a personnel standpoint. So all that goes into the mix and the equation. I think we’re making good progress.
Jones added that there is no rush to find the ideal candidate.
We hadn’t necessarily set a deadline, if you will.”…”I think it’s more about getting it right. Once we feel comfortable that we have the right guy, then we’ll pull the trigger, and we’ll move from there.
The goal is to build a strong, balanced team on both sides of the ball and return to sustained contention in the regular season and playoffs.
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