Locked On Cowboys – Jan 12, 2026

DEFENSE: Why Jim Leonhard Is the FRESH Voice Cowboys Need | Wild Card UPDATES!

Episode Overview

In this episode, hosts Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool break down the Cowboys’ search for a new defensive coordinator, focusing on Denver’s Jim Leonhard as the leading candidate. The discussion dives into Leonhard’s coaching background, fit with Dallas, and why his approach matches what the team needs. The hosts also dissect a wild NFL Wild Card weekend, what it means for Dallas' draft picks, and explore why timely defense and tackling are critical for the Cowboys moving forward.

Jim Leonhard: The Favorite for Defensive Coordinator (01:36–10:41)

Leonhard’s Background and Candidacy

• Background: Former NFL player, rose through college coaching (Wisconsin DC), now Denver’s assistant HC & defensive passing game coordinator.
• Leonhard’s Trajectory: Once on Schottenheimer’s radar, he’s now seen as a prime candidate. Priorities have shifted from seeking a “veteran” coach last cycle to entertaining fresh ideas this year.
• Quote (Marcus, 04:16):
  “What I like about Jim Leonard is some of the coaches that he’s coached under… He's played in a Rex Ryan defense… as a defensive coordinator in Wisconsin, I mean, those defenses were tough and…used a lot of creative things. Leonard doesn’t necessarily have a scheme…but is somebody that can be multiple and adaptable, and that’s what Schottenheimer wants.”

Scheme & Fit in Dallas

• Defensive Approach: Leonhard is not tied to a set scheme. He mixes coverages (Cover 3, Cover 1, match principles) and is creative with pressures.
• Comparison: Landon likens him to a “creative” version of Matt Eberflus—familiar but innovative.
• Influences: Experience under Rex Ryan & Vance Joseph, plus his own college playbook.
• Youth/Staffing Concerns:
  • Marcus notes Leonhard would be an NFL first-time playcaller but had record-setting defenses at Wisconsin (05:26–08:06).
  • Concern about Leonhard’s ability to attract experienced assistants, mitigated by Schottenheimer’s NFL ties.

Blending with Cowboys' Talent

• Blitzing & Personnel: Denver ranks among the league’s blitz-heaviest, which could forecast aggressive secondary upgrades for Dallas.
• Quote (Marcus, 08:36):
  “If you’re going to be that blitz-heavy, you can’t on the back end—you’ve got to find guys who are smart, who can tackle, who can play one-on-one.”
• Affordable DBs: Landon notes it's easier to find capable, savvy veterans for this type of defense versus elite man-cover corners.

The Need for Fresh Ideas

• Preference for Outsiders: Marcus is ready to move past the pattern of insular Cowboys hires.
• Quote (Marcus, 09:44):
  “I just want somebody outside of the building… I really think they could use some fresh ideas and fresh perspective, and I think Jim Leonard could give that to them.”

Wild Card Weekend: Big Implications for the Cowboys (10:41–22:32)

Packers’ Meltdown Boosts Dallas Draft Capital (13:57–16:08)

• A Green Bay loss hands Dallas a better draft pick.
• Trayvon Diggs’ one-snap performance: Marcus recounts how Diggs, asked to tackle on a WR screen, “got ran over” and was pulled immediately.
• Quote (Marcus, 14:12):
  “They ran a wide receiver screen…he was about 12 yards off the ball and he got ran over…they immediately pulled him out of the game and never played again.”

Lessons from NFC Playoffs: Defense Doesn’t Need Superstars (16:08–18:16)

• Many playoff winners don’t have loaded, “elite” defenses. Instead, timely stops and opportunistic plays make the difference.
• Quote (Marcus, 16:38):
  “If you’re a Cowboy fan, it’s encouraging that you’re seeing these teams win…without having five All-Pros… We just didn’t see any timely stops from the Cowboys defense really at all outside of the Philadelphia game.”

The Importance of Tackling & Defensive Grit (18:16–21:24)

• 49ers as Example: Under Robert Saleh, SF excels at tackling despite injuries, a “want to” rather than a talent issue.
• Cowboys’ Softness: Both hosts highlight Dallas defensive backs’ aversion to tackling (especially on the perimeter), a contrast with teams still alive in the playoffs.
• Quote (Marcus, 19:18):
  “These defensive backs don’t want to tackle…it just puts your defense in such a bad spot...I’m almost to the point where the guys that are pure coverage guys but don’t want to stick their nose in the run game, I’m just devaluing them.”

Coaching and Resilience as the X-Factor (21:24–22:17)

• Marcus praises the resourcefulness of coaching staffs like Shanahan/Saleh: “They were without Nick Bosa and Fred Warner… signed Eric Kendricks…go on the road and get a gritty win. Coaching matters so much in the NFL…Cowboys can’t afford to skimp out this cycle.”

Cowboys’ Draft Pick Update & Draft Strategies (24:27–29:47)

Packers’ Collapse Nets Cowboys the #20 Pick (24:27–26:31)

• Dallas expected a late pick when trading for Micah Parsons; instead, thanks to Green Bay's losing streak, it’s #20.
• Quote (Marcus, 24:51):
  “They lose their final five games of the year once Parsons left…and now the Cowboys hold the 20th pick.”

Enhanced Draft Flexibility (26:31–28:16)

• The Cowboys can either sit tight for a premium prospect, trade back for more picks, or even trade up—immense flexibility.
• Landon: “The Cowboys pick, top pick ended up being a lot higher than we had hoped... [they] made out like bandits with this duo of draft picks for this 2026 draft. It has worked out well.”

Valuing Versatility & Draft Scenarios (27:22–28:40)

• The hosts discuss prospects at linebacker, CB, and the possibility of maneuvering into higher/lower picks.
• Landon, on moving down from #20:
  “If you wanted to trade back...it makes it a lot more palatable because you’re still going to be...not the very, very end of the...first round...the talent will still be good.”

Reflections on Quinnen Williams Trade (28:40–29:47)

• In hindsight, hosts agree Dallas likely made the right call keeping the 2026 pick given its value and team needs.
• The 2027 draft is strong, but having a mid-first in 2026 is more important for replenishing talent now.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Leonhard’s Appeal (Marcus, 04:16):
  “Leonard doesn’t necessarily have a scheme, but I think he is somebody that can be multiple and can be adaptable and that’s what Schottenheimer wants.”
• On Cowboys’ Defensive Identity (Landon, 07:05):
  “If they can work that out, he is kind of a great candidate because…it’s something new, it’s something exciting, it’s something cutting edge and…it’s also something familiar enough because of its basis in cover 1, cover 3...”
• On Back-End Tackling (Marcus, 19:18):
  “These defensive backs don’t want to tackle...teams are just going to screen you to death...I’m just devaluing them because teams are just going to screen you to death.”
• On Coaching Gaps (Marcus, 21:24):
  “Coaching matters so much in the NFL…that’s why the Cowboys can’t afford to skimp out this cycle when it comes to the defensive coordinator and their secondary coach and defensive line coach. They’ve got to nail these hires.”

Key Timestamps

• 01:36–10:41 – Jim Leonhard as defensive coordinator candidate; scheme, fit, and potential staff.
• 13:57–16:08 – How wild card results, notably Packers’ loss, benefit Cowboys’ draft capital.
• 16:08–18:16 – Playoff lessons: defense built on timely plays, not just elite talent.
• 18:16–21:24 – The importance of tackling and defensive physicality.
• 21:24–22:17 – Why coaching matters more than excuses.
• 24:27–28:40 – Draft “win” for Dallas, flexible scenarios.
• 28:40–29:47 – Reassessing the Quinnen Williams trade options.

Summary Takeaways

• Jim Leonhard is viewed as an exciting, innovative DC candidate who could bring much-needed adaptability and freshness to the Cowboys’ defense.
• Dallas’ improved draft position gives them crucial flexibility for roster building.
• Playoff trends reinforce that timely defense, physicality (esp. tackling), and outstanding coaching are the keys to postseason success—areas the Cowboys must urgently address.
• The hosts want Dallas to look outside its typical coaching tree and stop settling for familiar hires.
• This offseason’s DC hire and draft strategy could set the tone for the Cowboys moving forward.

(Ads, promos, intros/outros, and non-content chatter were skipped per your instruction.)