The Cowboys are moving to the next phase, planning in-person interviews with several candidates. The group set for in-person meetings includes Christian Parker (Eagles’ pass game coordinator/DBs), former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, and Daronte Jones. Jones is notable for having interviewed for the Jets’ DC gig as well. 🧑💼🎤🏈
NFL interview rules add timing wrinkles to the process. In-person interviews for assistants under contract can begin on January 19, but teams still in conference title games must wait until January 26. Coaches on Super Bowl teams can interview through February 1 but can’t speak to other teams after February 9. This matters because Leonhard is the only Jets candidate who would be eligible for an in-person interview while still in the playoffs, depending on Denver’s result. ⏳🗓️🏟️
If Dallas is closer to a decision, it could affect the Jets’ plans—especially with Leonhard. ESPN’s Todd Archer noted the Cowboys can’t interview Jim Leonhard in person until the Broncos lose or during the bye week before the Super Bowl, which could slow the Cowboys’ timeline. From the Jets’ perspective, Rich Cimini suggested the DC search could drag on into late January, with Leonhard widely regarded as the Jets’ top candidate in the first round. 🚨🧭🕒
Bottom line: both franchises are jockeying for the same pool of top DC coaches, and the overlapping interview window is shaping who lands where. As Cowboys move through in-person meetings and the Jets wait to see how playoff results unfold, the balance of leverage and timing could determine several jobs in this tight market. 🔥🤝🏈
