Overview
- The team began first-round meetings Friday with the Vikings’ Daronte Jones and the Browns’ Ephraim Banda, with the Broncos’ Jim Leonhard slated for Saturday.
- Atlanta denied Dallas permission to interview Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as the franchise works through its own coaching plans.
- None of the initial candidates has previously served as an NFL defensive coordinator, aligning with Jones’s stance that pro-level coordinator experience is not required.
- The search started within days of firing Eberflus after a franchise-worst season in which Dallas allowed about 30 points per game.
- Jones has signaled urgency on roster upgrades, saying the Cowboys may “bust the budget” in free agency as coaching hires shape offseason priorities.