"Dallas Didn't Just Scroll, They Reached Out This is the part that grabbed me. The Cowboys aren't sitting back waiting for the perfect hire to fall into their lap; they have sent requests. The Cowboys have requested permission to speak with Minnesota defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones, Denver assistant HC/pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard and Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda for their defensive coordinator vacancy, according to multiple sources. - Todd Archer (@toddarcher) January 8, 2026"
"If a team like the Broncos trusts you with the passing side of their defense, you're not some experimental hire, you're someone they actually leaned on to solve real problems. Darontè Jones-Vikings Experience that Fits Today's League Jones is doing similar pass game coordinator work in Minnesota. I found he was another former safety who grew up on the backend of the defense and in Minnesota, they play a version of defense that asks defensive backs to think, communicate, and execute."
Dallas requested permission to interview Jim Leonhard, Darontè Jones, and Ephraim Banda for the defensive coordinator vacancy and checked on Jeff Ulbrich before Atlanta blocked that inquiry. The Cowboys front office and Brian Schottenheimer seek candidates to discuss scheme, philosophy, personnel, and the passing game. Leonhard serves as Denver’s defensive passing game coordinator, is a former NFL safety, and is described as smart, detailed, and scheme-driven. Jones performs similar pass-game-coordinator duties in Minnesota, developed in a system that demands communication and intelligence from defensive backs, and has experience building secondaries to withstand heavy passing. Banda coaches safeties for the Browns and brings notable demeanor and attitude.
Read at Inside The Star
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