The Dallas Cowboys have started their search for a new defensive coordinator. Todd Archer of ESPN released a list of the team’s initial requests to interview three candidates. The names included are Minnesota Vikings pass game coordinator Daronte Jones, Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda, and Denver Broncos assistant HC/pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard.
Out of the three names, Leonhard has emerged as a fan favorite to be the Cowboys’ play-caller on defense. Leonhard is someone head coach Brian Schottenheimer is familiar with, having spent three years together with the New York Jets from 2009-2011, when Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator, and Leonhard was the strong safety.
During Wednesday’s end-of-season press conference, Schotty was asked about his thoughts on the Broncos assistant head coach and if they’ve stayed in touch at all throughout the years.
I saw Jim before we played Denver. Jim’s a heck of football coach. You talk about a great football player, man. We had some great years together in New York. Again, I would not say we’ve stayed in touch. This business is hard. You get going a million miles [an hour]. You gotta speak to what Sean [Payton] and what that entire staff has done there. Vance Joseph is a guy I have a ton of respect for. Jim’s an excellent coach.
Calm, cool, and collected like someone who is trying not to tip their hand on what direction they might want to go. If the Cowboys go with someone like Leonhard, it will break the seemingly prerequisite that every defensive coordinator must have prior