Jim Leonhard emerging as Dallas Cowboys’ top choice for defensive coordinator

The Dallas Cowboys are facing a critical offseason decision, and Jim Leonhard is quickly emerging as the top candidate to lead their defense. Despite a below-average defensive performance this season, Dallas’ prolific offense kept them alive in the NFC playoff picture.

Now, the focus shifts to finding a defensive coordinator who can match that offensive firepower with consistency and discipline.Cowboys management has already requested interviews with six candidates, but insiders suggest Jim Leonhard is the clear frontrunner. According to Cowboys reporter Bobby Belt of 105.3 The Fan, the team is waiting for Leonhard to be available before making a final decision.

Why Jim Leonhard is the leading candidate to transform Dallas Cowboys’ defense

Cowboys management has clearly identified Jim Leonhard as their top defensive coordinator target.

His rapid rise in both college and NFL coaching ranks, combined with a proven ability to improve defensive backfields and game-planning, makes him a standout candidate. While Dallas explores other options, Leonhard remains the major point of their hiring strategy."They’re waiting for Jim Leonhard," Belt explained. "He's in Denver right now. They're still in the playoffs. He can't be hired away yet.” Until then, Dallas is interviewing other names to cover bases, but Leonhard is the primary target.

The Cowboys conducted a virtual interview with Leonhard last Saturday, signaling his prominence among their choices. A second, in-person interview is expected once Denver’s playoff run concludes. With the Broncos earning the AFC’s top seed and hosting Josh Allen and the Bills this weekend, the timing aligns perfectly with Dallas’ cautious yet strategic approach.Leonhard’s coaching résumé makes him a standout. After one year as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator, he was named a finalist for the Broyles Award, recognizing the nation’s top assistant coach.

His NFL trajectory has been equally rapid. In 2024, Leonhard spent just one season as Denver’s defensive backs coach before earning a promotion to assistant head coach and defensive passing game coordinator under future Hall of Fame coach Sean Payton.The Cowboys see Leonhard as a coach capable of both immediate improvement and long-term defensive stability. Even if he eventually becomes a head coach, Dallas could promote one of his assistants to maintain continuity. With Dak Prescott’s prime years still ahead, hiring Jim Leonhard now could be the key move to maximize Dallas’ Super Bowl window.