Locked On Cowboys - Cowboys Squad Show

Date: January 16, 2026
Episode Theme: Inside the Cowboys' Defensive Coordinator Search, Coaching Moves, and Offseason Strategies

Episode Overview

The latest episode of the Cowboys Squad Show dives deep into the Dallas Cowboys’ continued search for a new defensive coordinator (DC) amidst a significant offseason reshuffle. Hosts Landon McCool (Locked On Cowboys), former Cowboys coach Glenn 'Stretch' Smith, and Aisha Morrison analyze the candidate pool, discuss organization philosophy, key coaching hires in college and the NFL, address running back rumors, and preview critical draft and free agency decisions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cowboys' Defensive Coordinator Search

Current Approach & Candidate Pool

• The Cowboys are conducting an extensive, methodical interview process, considering as many as a dozen candidates, ranging from established coordinators to up-and-coming position coaches.
• Landon praises the deep and impressive candidate pool and the organization’s willingness to “cast a wide net.”
  Quote:

  “Just the number of qualified, solid defensive coordinator candidates is very high. …I think this is the right way to handle this.” (Landon McCool, 03:53)

Philosophy: Experience vs. Fresh Thought

• Aisha and Landon appreciate Dallas seeking "fresh minds," bucking their historical trend of prioritizing former head coaches for coordinator roles (07:21).
• Coach Stretch emphasizes the importance of hiring a DC with proven play-calling chops, especially someone with secondary experience to address the team's biggest need.
  Quote:

  “At the end of the day, I need somebody who’s called a defense.” (Stretch, 08:20)
  “If I had my finger on somebody, I’d go after Terrell Austin right now in Pittsburgh.” (Stretch, 09:00)

Emphasis on Coaching the Secondary

• With five out of six candidates specializing in the secondary, it’s clear Dallas is urgently focused on fixing their defensive backfield.
• Landon sees value in candidate diversity but wants a blend of teacher-communicator and veteran strategy.
  Quote:

  “It’s not that folks are excited they’re looking at younger coaches—it’s that they’re mixing it up… getting different opinions.” (Landon, 10:25)

What Makes a Good DC Today

• Communication, teaching skills, and developing young players are paramount as the college-to-NFL pipeline changes amid the transfer portal and NIL era.
• The hosts discuss how developmental continuity has shifted, with candidates’ ability to teach and adapt becoming more prized than inventing new schemes.
  Quote:

  “They’re not inventing new defenses—it’s how it gets taught and communicated to players.” (Landon, 14:36)

• Aisha highlights Christian Parker (Eagles DB coach) and Zach Orr as “teachers” who fit the modern mold (13:30).

Timestamps:

• Defensive Coordinator Search & Philosophy: 03:53 – 18:43

2. Additional Coaching News

Jason Witten Hired by Oklahoma

• Former Cowboys TE Jason Witten is the new Tight Ends Coach at Oklahoma, a move unanimously praised by the panel.
• Coach Stretch calls it a "hell of a hire" and predicts a fast coaching rise for Witten.
  Quote:

  “He is a very, very—and I’m going to say it again—very smart football guy.” (Stretch, 24:48)

• Landon notes Witten’s respect for “taking the time” to coach high school before moving up (25:40).

Cowboys Staffers in the East-West Shrine Game

• Coach Linda Wells and D-line coach Aaron White Cotton will coach in the Shrine Game, giving Dallas closer looks at draft prospects (26:42).

John Harbaugh Hired by Giants

• John Harbaugh signs as Giants head coach (5-year, $100M), shaking up the NFC East.
• Stretch: Calls it a “home run hire” and expects Harbaugh’s pedigree to boost competitiveness (28:03).
• Aisha: Welcomes the competition, “I want a fire to be lit to the Cowboys’ ass.” (29:33)
• Landon: Raises concerns about Harbaugh replicating Baltimore’s success without the same infrastructure (30:22).
• Notably, no coach has ever won Super Bowls as head coach for two teams (32:19).

Timestamps:

• Jason Witten & Coaching News: 24:42 – 27:27
• NFC East, Harbaugh & Giants: 27:29 – 32:19

3. Running Back Rumors: Javonte Williams & Travis Etienne

Javonte Williams Contract Situation

• Discussions center on bringing back RB Javonte Williams, who’s valued for his pass protection and “reliability.”
• Landon estimates his market at $8–9M/year, while Etienne would command about $7M/year, but prefers Williams due to established fit and skill set (37:15).
• All panelists agree keeping Williams is the smart, low-risk move; Etienne isn’t viewed as an upgrade.

Aisha speculates the lack of contract activity might stem from Williams’ shoulder injury requiring surgery or clean-up (42:05).

• Stretch: Emphasizes the importance of his protection skills for a QB entering a "two-year window" (41:09).

Quote:

“For what? This dude already knows the offense… it’s not like it’s an upgrade, skill-wise.” (Aisha, 38:52)

Timestamps:

• Javonte Williams & Etienne Discussion: 37:15 – 43:24

4. Defensive Backfield, Duron Bland’s Injury, and Draft Strategy

Duron Bland Foot Surgery Update

• Bland underwent left foot surgery; the panel is concerned about back-to-back years of foot procedures for the corner.
• Stretch:

  “You can’t mess with your teeth and your feet… especially with a defensive back.” (44:38)

• A Jones fracture or Lisfranc injury would be especially worrisome for a DB (45:37).

Draft Challenges & Cornerback Need

• With Dallas lacking 2nd and 3rd round picks, the need to “hit home runs” with early selections is urgent, specifically at CB (49:02).
• Landon advocates for adding multiple veteran DBs in free agency and a DB-savvy coordinator to stabilize the unit while building up elsewhere.

Aisha:

“Dallas has to handle this, handle cornerback like they have none, almost… They gotta start from scratch because a foot is scary.” (47:53)

Timestamps:

• Duron Bland & CB Draft Strategy: 43:54 – 51:35

5. Offseason Strategies & Free Agency

• Discussion on whether Dallas should “keep the offense intact” and focus their resources on fixing the defense—emphasizing smart, targeted veteran signings and maximizing limited draft capital.
• Landon: Having three “solid, NFL-average corners” may suffice if the pass rush is strong (51:06).

Timestamps:

• Roster Construction & Philosophy: 51:06 – 52:30

6. Divisional Round Playoff Preview

Games of Interest

• Landon is eager to see whether Josh Allen can maintain MVP-level play.
• Stretch hypes up the “return spot” for Dre Greenlaw, boosting Denver’s defense, and praises Houston as a model of defensive team-building.

  “It’s scary how good [Houston] are, and it’s scary how simple they are… they get after your ass.” (Stretch, 58:43)

• Aisha is most excited for Bears vs Rams—Caleb Williams’ development is a big storyline (57:23).
• All admire the 49ers' ability to adapt amid injuries, with Aisha envious of their organizational stability and coaching.

Notable banter:

• Landon reminisces, “I feel very old now because I went to Matt Stafford’s high school football championship game…” (60:40)

Timestamps:

• Divisional Round Preview: 56:14 – 63:11

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Can you call a defense and can you coach?” (Glenn 'Stretch' Smith, 12:23)
• “They’re not inventing new defenses... it’s how you communicate with these players.” (Landon McCool, 14:36)
• “I want a fire to be lit to the Cowboys’ ass.” (Aisha Morrison, 29:33)
• “Hope is not a strategy.” (Landon McCool, 44:29)
• “They gotta start from scratch because a foot is scary. …I hate to say it because I really like DaRon Bland and I think he’s gonna battle. He’s not going to just roll over.” (Aisha Morrison, 47:53)
• “You can’t mess with your teeth and your feet…especially with a defensive back.” (Glenn 'Stretch' Smith, 44:38)
• “It’s scary how good [Houston] are, and it’s scary how simple they are. Love it—they get after your ass.” (Glenn 'Stretch' Smith, 58:43)

Important Section Timestamps

| Topic | Start | End | |---------------------------------------|--------|--------| | Defensive Coordinator Search | 03:53 | 18:43 | | Jason Witten & Coaching News | 24:42 | 27:27 | | NFC East, Harbaugh, and the Giants | 27:29 | 32:19 | | RB Contracts: Williams v. Etienne | 37:15 | 43:24 | | Duron Bland Injury & CB Strategy | 43:54 | 51:35 | | Offseason Philosophy & Free Agency | 51:06 | 52:30 | | Playoff Preview | 56:14 | 63:11 |

Tone & Style

The show balances in-depth football analysis with locker-room banter and a direct, passionate tone. Stretch offers old-school, no-nonsense wisdom; Landon is nuanced and analytic; Aisha injects energy and fan perspective, expressing hopes, concerns, and excitement for competition.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode provides a thorough, up-to-date inside look at the Cowboys’ offseason—focusing on the critical defensive coordinator search and broader shifts in coaching and roster strategy. The hosts mix expert insight with real talk, revealing what fans and insiders are watching, worried about, and hoping for as Dallas aims to reboot for a title run. This is a must-listen for anyone following the Cowboys’ pivotal offseason.