Dallas requested defensive coordinator interviews with Jim Leonhard, Darontè Jones, Ephraim Banda, and checked on Jeff Ulbrich before Atlanta blocked it. The Cowboys have requested permission to speak with Minnesota defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones, Denver assistant HC/pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard and Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda for their defensive coordinator vacancy, according to multiple sources. Jim Leonhard—The Broncos Young Defensive GuruLeonhard has been working in Denver as their defensive passing game coordinator. Darontè Jones—Vikings Experience that Fits Today’s LeagueJones is doing similar pass game coordinator work in Minnesota. I have optimism that this hire might finally look like the defensive coordinator the fans deserve to see coaching on the sidelines.

Source: thestar January 09, 2026 12:03 UTC