Cowboys Reportedly Denied Jeff Ulbrich Interview for DC Job by Falcons, Latest Rumors

The Dallas Cowboys' request to interview Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich for the same role in Dallas was denied on Thursday, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank revealed that the team would recommend Ulbrich to remain as their defensive coordinator after hiring a new head coach, although the final decision will be up to Atlanta's next coach (via NFL insider Jordan Schultz).

Per Archer, the Cowboys will cast a "wide net" as they search for a new defensive coordinator following the firing of Matt Eberflus on Tuesday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Dallas is slated to interview Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach and passing game game coordinator Daronte Jones for its defensive coordinator vacancy.

The Cowboys also reportedly have interviews scheduled with Denver Broncos assistant head coach and pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard as well as Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda.

Meanwhile, the Falcons are on the hunt for a new head coach after parting ways with Raheem Morris on Sunday.

It's easy to see why Atlanta is hesitant to move on from Ulbrich despite ranking No. 19 among all teams in scoring defense during its 2025 campaign, allowing 23.6 points per game.

The Falcons racked up the second-most sacks and seventh-most takeaways in the NFL during the regular season.

Rookie James Pearce Jr. amassed 10.5 sacks after he was selected with a first-round pick, while 2025 third-round draft choice Xavier Watts recorded 11 passes defended and five interceptions across 17 starts.

Defensive struggles played a major role in the Cowboys' disappointing 7-9-1 finish in 2025, as they owned the worst scoring defense in the league by giving up 30.1 points on a weekly basis.