News - Cowboys Consider Former Head Coach for Defensive Reboot

In a bid for defensive rejuvenation, the Dallas Cowboys are actively pursuing former Eagles defensive mastermind Jonathan Gannon to take the reins as their new defensive coordinator. This follows their pattern of selecting former NFL head coaches to helm the defensive strategy, joining the ranks of past choices like Rod Marinelli, Mike Zimmer, and Dan Quinn. Gannon, whose tenure with the Arizona Cardinals saw a mix of successes and challenges, is now being courted by the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans as well. With a solid history of elevating the Eagles' defense from 2021-22 to NFC supremacy, Gannon is poised for a potentially impactful return to the NFC East. Alongside Gannon, intriguing newcomers Joe Jones and Parker emerge as contenders for the Cowboys’ strategic overhaul. Jones, with a background under the tutelage of Brian Flores at the Vikings, brings insight and experience from his stint with LSU’s defense. Meanwhile, Parker, who’s climbed the coaching ranks with impressive results in Green Bay, Denver, and recently Philadelphia, offers a fresh perspective from his time under Vic Fangio. As the Cowboys seek an end to the revolving door of defensive coordinators and aim to rectify a lackluster 2025 season, the decisions made in this hiring process will be crucial. Both owner Jerry Jones and head coach Brian Schottenheimer are determined to see the team bounce back, especially after a season where the offense shined yet was overshadowed by defensive shortcomings. The upcoming 2026 season demands a resilient and cohesive defense to complement the offensive prowess, driving the Cowboys back into serious playoff contention.