Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coaching Staff Faces Contractual Stability Amid Organizational Changes
The Dallas Cowboys find themselves at the center of NFL discussions once again, this time regarding the future composition of their defensive coaching staff following the departure of Matt Eberflus. After another season where defensive performance fell short of expectations, many anticipated significant overhauls within the coaching ranks.
Contractual Realities Provide Short-Term Security for Defensive Assistants
According to Cowboys insider Mickey Spagnola, no immediate dismissals are planned among the defensive assistants, primarily due to existing contractual obligations. All defensive coaches currently remain under contract for the upcoming season, creating a layer of protection against sudden organizational changes.
Spagnola elaborated on the situation, stating: "First of all, it's my understanding all the Cowboys defensive coaches are under contract for this coming season and would imagine that will be discussed between head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the new defensive coordinator." He further emphasized that assistants cannot simply break their contracts to pursue lateral moves without explicit permission from their current employer.
Key Defensive Assistants Under Contract
The defensive coaching staff includes several notable figures who joined the organization before the 2025 season:
- Aaron Whitecotton
- Dave Borgonzi
- Andre Curtis
- David Overstreet II
While these contracts offer temporary job security, the Cowboys have demonstrated in the past that contractual situations don't guarantee long-term employment. Following the 2024 season, the organization dismissed Mike Zimmer and his entire defensive staff despite similar contractual arrangements.
Performance Will Ultimately Determine Coaching Futures
Tommy Yarrish reinforced Spagnola's perspective, noting: "Still, contracts matter, and assistants can't make lateral moves without the permission of their current employer." However, this principle works both ways, as owner Jerry Jones retains the authority to make changes if Schottenheimer and the incoming defensive coordinator believe adjustments are necessary for improved performance.
The Cowboys' recent inability to secure Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator has intensified scrutiny on the coaching situation. Dallas requested permission to interview Ulbrich, but Atlanta declined and instead committed to retaining him following noticeable defensive improvements with the Falcons.
Looking Ahead: The Critical Defensive Coordinator Decision
For now, the Cowboys' defensive coaching approach hinges on two critical factors: who will join Schottenheimer as defensive coordinator and whether the current staff can finally deliver the defensive results that Dallas fans and management expect. The contractual stability provides breathing room, but the pressure to perform remains intense in one of the NFL's most scrutinized organizations.
The coming weeks will reveal whether this continuity-focused strategy proves successful or whether further changes become inevitable as the Cowboys seek to transform their defensive capabilities for the upcoming season.
