RT “THE WAIT FOR GOOD NEWS IS OVER… IT’S BAD” 💥 Cowboys’ DC Announcement Instantly Overshadowed by a Major Blow That Changes Everything
In the wake of a second consecutive playoff miss and a defensive performance that fell well short of expectations, the Dallas Cowboys are moving swiftly to overhaul their coaching staff. Just days after parting ways with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the franchise has already begun a targeted search for his successor, reaching out to multiple candidates but encountering an immediate obstacle in their pursuit of Atlanta Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich, whose current team has denied the Cowboys’ initial interview request.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, the Cowboys have wasted no time, seeking permission to interview at least three known candidates:
Daronte Jones (Minnesota Vikings Defensive Pass Game Coordinator)
Ephraim Banda (Cleveland Browns Safeties Coach)
An unnamed Denver Broncos assistant (reportedly Assistant Head Coach/Pass Game Coordinator)
This list reflects a clear desire for coaches with expertise in the modern passing game, indicating the Cowboys’ priority to fix a secondary that was routinely exploited in 2025.
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus looks on against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at Soldier Field.
The most intriguing name on the Cowboys’ radar is Jeff Ulbrich, the defensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons. However, the Falcons have denied Dallas’s request to interview him. This is a permissible move under NFL rules, which allow teams to block interviews for lateral moves (same position). As Ulbrich remains under contract as the Falcons’ DC, Atlanta is within its rights to retain him, especially during their own head coach and GM search.
The Cowboys’ interest in Ulbrich is understandable. He has garnered respect for his work in Atlanta, crafting aggressive and adaptable defensive schemes. The silver lining for Dallas is that Ulbrich’s status could change once the Falcons hire their new leadership, who may opt to bring in their own defensive coordinator.
This situation presents a strategic dilemma for Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the front office:
The Patient Approach: They could wait to see if Ulbrich becomes available after Atlanta’s hires are made, potentially landing their top target.
The Pragmatic Approach: With the coaching carousel spinning quickly, they may choose to secure one of the other qualified candidates to ensure they don’t miss out and can begin installing their new defensive system without delay.
The decision will reveal how highly the Cowboys value Ulbrich versus their urgency to finalize their staff.
The Cowboys’ aggressive start to their defensive coordinator search signals a recognition that significant change is needed. While the block on Jeff Ulbrich is a temporary setback, it opens a window into the competitive and often contractual complexities of NFL hiring. Whether Dallas opts to wait for a chance at Ulbrich or swiftly pivots to another candidate, their choice will be the first major indicator of the defensive philosophy and direction for a team desperate to return to contention. The pressure is on to get this hire right, and the clock is already ticking.
