Looking at the Cowboys’ history of coaching hires, there’s a clear pattern. It usually comes down to three things: coaching experience, head coaching experience and, most importantly, connections. Keeping that in mind makes it easier to narrow down who I believe would be the best candidates for the job.

Brian Schottenheimer’s Jets Connection: From 2006 to 2011, Brian Schottenheimer served as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator under both Eric Mangini and Rex Ryan. This period helped him establish strong relationships throughout the league, enhancing his reputation as a rising coaching talent. During that time, he was even considered a hot commodity for the head coaching job with the Miami Dolphins after Nick Saban left to take the Alabama position. Over these years, Schottenheimer crossed paths with several players and coaches who have since gone on to make a name for themselves at both the playing and coaching levels.

Mike Pettine (Minnesota Vikings Assistant head coach/Outside linebackers coach) Schotty’s Connection - Jets DC (09-12)

Pettine is a veteran defensive mind and a former NFL head coach, having led the Cleveland Browns from 2014 to 2015 — two major checkmarks when it comes to the Cowboys’ typical coaching criteria. His defensive scheme is known for its versatility, complexity, and aggression, featuring multiple pressure-oriented fronts, including 3–4, 4–3, and hybrid looks. Pettine has long emphasized stopping the run and using creative blitz packages to disrupt offenses.

That said, Pettine has not served as a full-time defensive coordinator since his stint with the Packers, which ended in 2020. In recent years, his defenses have often been boom-or-bust, relying heavily on pressure while lacking modern coverage concepts and advanced disguises. While he clearly fits the profile the Cowboys tend to favor, this feels like the moment for Dallas to pursue a more modern, adaptable defensive approach — one better suited for today’s NFL. And the next candidate reflects that shift.

Jim Leonhard (Denver Broncos Assistant Head Coach & Defensive Pass Game Coordinator) Schotty's Connection- former Jets Safety (09-11)

Jim Leonhard is a former NFL safety who made his mark as an undersized (5’8”, 188 lb) rotational safety, special teamer and returner over a nine-year career from 2005 to 2014. His coaching career began at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, as a defensive backs coach in 2016. Just a year later, he was promoted to defensive coordinator and DB coach, a role he held from 2017 to 2022. Since 2024, Leonhard has been part of the Denver Broncos organization as the defensive pass game coordinator, learning under Broncos DC Vance Joseph, who has a reputation for building strong defenses.

While Leonhard does not meet the Cowboys’ traditional criteria of former NFL head coach or full-time defensive coordinator, he brings other high-value traits. He is widely regarded as an elite defensive back developer, a skill he has honed from his Wisconsin days through the NFL — something that could be particularly beneficial for young Cowboys DBs like DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel. His schemes utilize modern coverage concepts such as quarters, matchup-based looks, and creative pressures. Above all, Leonhard offers a high football IQ, shaped by years as both a Division I/NFL player and coach.

He may not fit the typical Cowboys checklist, but the potential reward is significant: a young, innovative mind, an elite DB developer and a coach capable of running a modern, adaptable defense.

Conclusion

Both coaches bring valuable experience and different schemes, and there will be multiple other candidates who could have the opportunity to become the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. Hopefully, the team does its due diligence to find the right person for the job.