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According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, the Dallas Cowboys have requested permission to interview Denver Broncos assistant head coach/defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard for their vacant defensive coordinator position.
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense was absolutely dreadful this past season (trading away Micah Parsons certainly did not help), and due to this, they fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and are looking to revamp their defense this offseason. With them having an opening, they sent out requests to interview four coaches for their defensive coordinator position, which included Denver Broncos assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard.
Leonhard joined the Broncos back in 2024 as their defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. He quickly impressed the Broncos and was elevated to assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator this past season, and is viewed as an up-and-coming coach who could be a future head coach. In the short term, he is viewed as the in-house replacement for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who is one of the hottest coaching candidates available this coaching cycle. However, other teams also view Leonhard the same way and will want to speak with him about their defensive coordinator position.
It is a risky play for the Broncos because they cannot promote him until Joseph officially accepts a head coaching position. In the meantime, other teams will have an opportunity to shoot their shot and try to pry away Leonhard from the Broncos.
However, this is where the Broncos and their ownership have the edge. One, the Broncos defense is in MUCH better shape than the Cowboys defense, and if he takes over for Vance, he’ll be getting the keys to a dominant defensive team. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are a mess and will need a lot of work to turn things around on the defensive side of the ball. The Broncos’ other edge is their deep pocket. If Sean Payton and the Broncos feel strongly about Leonhard, they could match or exceed any financial offer other teams offer Leonhard. Those two reasons have me not overly concerned about Leonhard leaving the team IF he is offered the Broncos defensive coordinator position. However, if Vance stays with the Broncos for whatever reason, Leonhard is likely to leave the team to be a defensive coordinator elsewhere. So, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out in the coming days and weeks.
Leonhard now joins Vance Joseph, Davis Webb, and Darren Rizzi as Broncos coaches who have or will interview for a head coaching position or coordinator position this coaching cycle.
Sean Payton has built a helluva staff with the Broncos.
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