The Cowboys Reportedly Have 3 Coaching Interviews Thursday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jan 29, 2026 12:09 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys didn't just have the worst scoring defense in the NFL this year, it was the worst in the team's storied history. With defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus now gone and Christian Parker taking over, the team is working quickly to fill his staff.

According to Cowboys insider Todd Archer of ESPN, the Cowboys are bringing in three coaching candidates for interviews on Thursday. The three candidates are Arizona Cardinals cornerbacks coach Ryan Smith, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr and Colorado Buffaloes defensive coordinator Robert Livingston.

Archer noted that the interview with Smith is merely a formality and that a deal has already been reached. As for Orr, he is considered a candidate for the open linebackers coach job. Livingston spent eight years as safeties coach for the Cincinnati Bengals before joining the Buffaloes and could get that same role in Dallas.

"The Cowboys, per sources, have in-person interviews today with: Arizona CB coach Ryan Smith w/ deal essentially done after interest from a few teams. Baltimore DC Zach Orr. Interviewed for DC job, LB background. Colorado DC Robert Livingston, who coached safeties w/ Bengals," Archer wrote.

The Cowboys, per sources, have in-person interviews today with:

Arizona CB coach Ryan Smith w/ deal essentially done after interest from a few teams.

Baltimore DC Zach Orr. Interviewed for DC job, LB background.

Colorado DC Robert Livingston, who coached safeties w/ Bengals.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) January 29, 2026

State of the Cowboys

Many expected the Cowboys to take some kind of hit when they abruptly traded all-world pass rusher Micah Parsons just before the season, but not the one they got.

Despite having an offense that ranked seventh in points scored and second in yards, the Cowboys gave up at least 30 points in nine games this past season. Three times they gave up at least 40 points.

Granted, the offense didn't do the defense enough favors at times, but the lion's share of the blame for Dallas' 7-9-1 campaign under first year head coach Brian Schottenheimer simply has to go to the defense.

Nov 23, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Cowboys now head into an offseason where things are getting more tense than ever.

Star quarterback Dak Prescott will be 33 at the start of the season and the injury rate is only going to increase for him. Meanwhile, the team still has several players with contracts coming up and a familiar "will he or won't he" question for team owner Jerry Jones.

2026 could be an offseason where the team finds stability, or continues to pull out Jenga cubes from an increasingly unsteady roster.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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