Cowboys Eye Jim Leonhard as Defensive Coordinator Candidate After Struggles

The Dallas Cowboys closed the 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record, marking their second consecutive year missing the playoffs. While rookie head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s offense showed flashes of promise, the team’s defense was a glaring liability, ultimately leading to the dismissal of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.

Dallas now enters a critical offseason search for its fourth defensive coordinator since 2023, aiming to stabilize a unit that allowed an NFL-worst 30.1 points per game. The defensive struggles were compounded by the offseason trade of star pass rusher Micah Parsons and inconsistent play from new acquisitions like Quinnen Williams.

Despite the disappointing results, Schottenheimer spoke positively about an unexpected coaching candidate: Jim Leonhard, currently with the Denver Broncos. Leonhard, a former NFL safety, has built a reputation as a sharp defensive mind both in college and the NFL.

Leonhard’s potential connection with the Cowboys stems from his time with Schottenheimer in New York, where he coached under Rex Ryan and worked closely with the offensive coordinator during the Jets’ 2009–2011 seasons. Now, with his NFL experience growing, Leonhard has emerged as a name to watch in Dallas’ coordinator search.

1. Leonhard’s Coaching Journey

Jim Leonhard’s path to NFL coaching has been steady and deliberate. After retiring from playing in 2014, he joined Wisconsin’s staff, eventually serving as defensive coordinator and even stepping in as interim head coach. His time in college coaching solidified his reputation as a meticulous and versatile defensive strategist. In 2023, Leonhard became Illinois’ senior football analyst before breaking into the NFL under Sean Payton with the Broncos in 2024. His role as defensive pass game coordinator allowed him to work closely with elite talent, and his promotion to assistant head coach in 2025 underscored his growing influence in the league. Leonhard’s background also includes a notable NFL playing career. He spent time with the Baltimore Ravens and followed Rex Ryan to the New York Jets, where he forged relationships with future NFL coaches like Schottenheimer. Those connections could make a Dallas move a logical next step. Schottenheimer highlighted Leonhard’s football acumen, praising both his player pedigree and coaching ability. “Jim’s a heck of a football coach,” he said. “You talk about a great football player… Jim’s an excellent coach.” Such endorsements make Leonhard a credible candidate as Dallas searches for defensive stability.

2. Cowboys’ Defensive Woes

Dallas’ defense struggled mightily in 2025, particularly after the offseason trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. The pass rush and overall defensive cohesion suffered, leaving the team vulnerable in nearly every game. The midseason addition of Quinnen Williams provided a short-term spark but failed to reverse the downward trend. The Cowboys allowed opponents to score at least 30 points per game for the first time in franchise history, finishing 32nd in scoring defense. Eberflus’ unit also struggled in critical situations, often giving up big plays and failing to contain opposing quarterbacks. The lack of consistency on both the line and in the secondary amplified the team’s woes and highlighted the need for a fresh approach. With Dallas’ playoff hopes extinguished, the defensive struggles became impossible to ignore, prompting a full-scale search for leadership capable of restoring the unit’s identity and competitiveness.

3. Looking Ahead to 2026

As the Cowboys prepare for the 2026 season, hiring a defensive coordinator will be a top priority. Leonhard’s mix of NFL experience, college leadership, and prior working relationship with Schottenheimer positions him as an intriguing option. Dallas faces the challenge of balancing defensive innovation with immediate results. The team’s front office will likely interview multiple candidates, weighing track records against scheme fit and leadership ability. Stability in coaching could also impact free-agent decisions and draft priorities, particularly in reinforcing the defensive line and secondary. After consecutive disappointing seasons, the Cowboys are under pressure to rebuild both talent and strategy. The search for a coordinator capable of reversing the defensive slide could define Dallas’ offseason and set the tone for future playoff contention.