The Dallas Cowboys' 2026 offseason is in full swing, with a clear and immediate focus on revamping the defensive coaching staff. Following a disappointing 7-9-1 campaign that ended on January 4 with a loss to the New York Giants, head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the front office are wasting no time in their evaluation and recruitment process, conducting a series of in-person interviews over the last 48 hours.
On January 29, the Cowboys interviewed three notable candidates for defensive positions. The list included Marcus Dixon, the former Minnesota Vikings defensive line coach, and Derek Ansley, the Green Bay Packers' Pass Game Coordinator. Furthermore, the team spoke with Robert Livingston, the defensive coordinator for Deion Sanders' Colorado Buffaloes, signaling a broad search for schematic innovation and teaching prowess. These interviews come on the heels of a departure, as offensive line coach Ramon Chinyoung left the organization on January 29 to reunite with Mike McCarthy with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This coaching shuffle occurs against the backdrop of significant personnel decisions. The Cowboys have 22 players heading into free agency, creating substantial roster uncertainty. Key defensive starters like safety Donovan Wilson and edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Dante Fowler are among those with expiring contracts. Spotrac projects Wilson could command a three-year deal worth around $20 million on the open market. On offense, the future of wide receiver George Pickens looms large, with the franchise tag—valued at approximately $28 million for receivers—being a potential tool to retain him.
The front office's activity extends beyond interviews. Executive Vice President Stephen Jones is currently in Mobile, Alabama, for the 2026 Senior Bowl, providing critical insights into the team's draft strategy, particularly for a defense in need of infusion. The Cowboys' draft capital was slightly adjusted after surrendering a 2026 seventh-round pick in the trade for Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson earlier this offseason.
On the injury front, there is positive news as key players work their way back. Cornerback Trevon Diggs, who missed over a month with a knee injury, was a full participant at practice on January 28. Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, recently named to his fifth Pro Bowl, was also a full participant despite reports he is "still not quite 100 percent" recovered from a concussion. In a corresponding roster move, offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius was placed on injured reserve on January 28 due to a knee injury.
The contract situations for cornerstone players remain a pivotal storyline. While quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb had their deals restructured in 2025 to create massive cap savings ($36.6 million and $20 million, respectively), kicker Brandon Aubrey is now highlighted as a prime extension candidate for this offseason. Cornerback DaRon Bland, who signed a four-year, $92 million extension earlier this offseason, represents the type of long-term investment the team hopes to make in its defensive core.
As the Cowboys look ahead, their 2026 home schedule is set, featuring matchups against NFC East rivals and tough interconference foes like the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers. The flurry of coaching interviews this week underscores a deliberate approach to building a new defensive identity. The choices made in the coming weeks—who to hire, who to re-sign, and who to target in the draft—will define the early stages of the Brian Schottenheimer era and set the trajectory for a franchise determined to return to contention.