Jan. 15, 2026, 5:05 a.m. CT
The Cowboys are making good on their promise to cast a wide net in their defensive coordinator search. And the net just got wider. On Wednesday, they added three more names to the slate, all assistants from NFC rivals. The latest, Packers defensive line coach and run game coordinator DeMarcus Covington, has been with Green Bay just one season after eight years in New England (where he won a Super Bowl ring). Covington brings the current number of candidates to nine, with Giants interim DC Charlie Bullen and Eagles DBs coach Christian Parker also getting requests from Dallas. If this coaching search feels different from past iterations, that’s no accident; the hiring of this coordinator could be the clearest indicator yet of whether Jerry Jones is finally ready to actually push for that sixth Lombardi Trophy… or just continue to hang around the rim talking about it.
Also in Cowboys Nation, the “Playmaker” is coming back to TV with a new project that’s sure to make waves. Netflix has announced that a podcast called The White House with Michael Irvin will debut Jan. 19. The show will tackle current sports news, analysis, and commentary. Two episodes per week will get a rotating cast of co-hosts, hosted by the always-outspoken Irvin.
And get ready for mock-draft madness. One new hypothetical has the defense-starved Cowboys going back to the OL well with the No. 12 pick… but still getting their A-list linebacker at No. 20.
The league is still reeling from Mike Tomlin’s decision to step down in Pittsburgh; now we learn that the 53-year-old isn’t planning to return to the sidelines right away, despite interest from several teams. Within the NFC East, the Giants spent the day with John Harbaugh, and the Commanders courted the DC candidate that everyone wants to talk to. And Marcus Freeman, one of the top prospects from the college ranks, finally elaborates on his decision to stay in school… for now.
On the field, the injury-ravaged 49ers could get a major piece of their defense back just in time for the divisional round, Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is arrested in Florida, and one of the top pass-catchers of the last decade-plus is calling it a career.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Cowboys request to interview Packers DL coach/run game coordinator DeMarcus Covington for DC job :: All DLLS (Link)Cowboys look to Giants interim DC as interview process rolls on :: Cowboys Wire (Link)Cowboys request permission to interview Eagles assistant for DC role :: Cowboys Wire (Link)The Cowboys’ defensive coordinator hire will tell us everything about their offseason :: D Magazine (Link)Giants’ top choice for HC has outstanding record vs Cowboys, NFC East :: Cowboys Wire (Link)With huge names on the head coach market, is Jerry Jones feeling a little buyer’s remorse? :: Dallas Morning News (Link)Former Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer announces new show on Netflix :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Link)Cowboys great with 42 career INTs selected for College Football Hall of Fame :: Cowboys Wire (Link)Cowboys’ new 2026 mock draft goes puzzling direction with No. 12 pick :: SI.com (Link)Coaching Carousel News & HeadlinesCommanders interviewed top DC candidate on Wednesday :: Commanders Wire (Link)Mike Tomlin not planning to coach in 2026, even amid interest from other teams, Art Rooney II says :: CBS Sports (Link)Marcus Freeman addresses NFL interest in first media appearance since Notre Dame’s CFP snub :: The Athletic (Link)News & Headlines from Around the NFLNiners LB Fred Warner doesn’t rule out playing Saturday vs. Seahawks: ‘Just taking it day by day’ :: NFL.com (Link)Vikings WR Jordan Addison arrested for trespassing in Florida :: Yahoo Sports (Link)Two-time Pro Bowl WR Adam Thielen announces retirement from NFL :: ESPN (Link)
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