Cowboys Make Coaching Moves After Missing NFL Playoffs

Story by

Paolo Songco

Mon, Jan 12, 2026 ·

2 min read

The Dallas Cowboys have missed the NFL playoffs for the second consecutive season. The Cowboys finished with a 7-9-1 record for second in the NFC East and 12th in the conference. Things did not go according to plan in head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s first year at the helm, resulting in significant changes in the coaching ranks.

On Tuesday, the Cowboys announced the firing of Matt Eberflus as the team’s defensive coordinator. Dallas finished 30th overall in yards conceded per game (377.0 yards) and points allowed (30.1), and Eberflus took the fall.

The Cowboys have since been searching for their next DC.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer stands on the field before facing the New York Jets.Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
(Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images)

The Cowboys have already interviewed three candidates for the job opening. Since last Friday, the team has already conducted interviews with Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda, Minnesota Vikings pass game coordinator Daronte Jones and Denver Broncos pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard .

According to a report by Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram , the Cowboys have also added defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton to their shortlist. Whitecotton, who just completed his first season with the team, is the first internal candidate for the DC job. Dallas will reportedly meet with Whitecotton virtually as their fourth interviewee.

Harris further reported that the Cowboys have at least two more candidates lined up. Dallas will reportedly also interview Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr and former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon.

The Cowboys could see more changes within their coaching ranks in the coming weeks. The Washington Commanders recently interviewed Dallas tight ends coach Lunda Wells, a key piece in Schottenheimer’s staff, for their opening at offensive coordinator.

Dallas cannot block Wells’ move if the Commanders decide to hire him as Kliff Kingsbury’s successor.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.