The biggest news of 2026 in the NFL might end up harming the Dallas Cowboys in their search for their next defensive coordinator.

That’s because one of the favorites for the job is rumored to be in the crosshairs of one of the biggest names in the coaching world: John Harbaugh, who is building a staff in the NFC East. The New York Giants and Harbaugh are in the process of finalizing a deal that will make him the Giants’ next head coach, and his preferred choice at defensive coordinator may be the same as Dallas’.

Harbaugh eyeing Jim Leonhard?

Jim Leonhard — one of the Cowboys’ nine known candidates for defensive coordinator so far — is the Denver Broncos‘ passing game coordinator, and one of the biggest rising stars in the NFL coaching ranks. With six years as defensive coordinator at Wisconsin and access to one of the best defensive minds in football in Vance Joseph, Leonhard is expected to be someone’s DC in 2026.

For the Cowboys, Leonhard is considered by many media members as one of the favorites for the job. Insider Bobby Belt from 105.3 The Fan recently said, “I think [Jim] Leonhard will be their guy. So they have to wait for Denver to get bounced before they can hire him.”

Harbaugh, however, might spoil the Cowboys’ plans if Leonhard is their top target. That’s because, according to Giants insider Art Stapleton from USA Today’s North Jersey, fans should “keep an eye out for Jim Leonhard to emerge as a serious candidate for the DC spot.”

Harbaugh coached Leonhard in 2008, when the latter started 13 games for the Baltimore Ravens.

Stapleton’s report makes a potential Leonhard hire all the more complicated. Harbaugh’s resume is undeniably stronger than Brian Schottenheimer’s, and he has a stronger connection with Leonhard—even though Schotty and Leonhard overlapped at the Jets.

On the other hand, you can expect the financials to play a factor here. While Jerry Jones’ pockets are deep, the Giants are going all-in with Harbaugh. It wouldn’t be crazy to expect them to match a strong offer.

Now granted, the Broncos are still in the playoffs and are set to host the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. For a hire to occur, the Broncos need to be eliminated first. So, for now, the suspense will only build.

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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Jan 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.