Atlanta, Cleveland firings could lead to DC options for Cowboys

Many within Cowboys Nation have been putting together wish lists of candidates for the team's defensive coordinator job, which, at the time of this writing, is still occupied by one Matt Eberflus.

But the team's disappointing 7-9-1 finish and a dreadful defense that allowed more points per game and more total points than any team in Cowboys franchise history have fans and observers alike looking for the key to a turnaround for 2026.

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Just hours after the conclusion of the regular season, some new names have already entered the chat.

The Atlanta Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris on Sunday night, and the Cleveland Browns followed suit by firing head coach Kevin Stefanski on Monday morning.

Morris, 49, is a longtime defensive mind who won Super Bowl rings with Tampa Bay for the 2002 season (as a defensive quality control coach) and with the Rams for the 2021 campaign (as defensive coordinator). A fixture on NFL sidelines for the past 23 years, Morris has four years of DC experience, was an assistant head coach for many years in Atlanta, and has been a head coach at two stops. Morris worked under Dan Quinn and then took over for him when the Falcons fired him during the 2020 season.

Stefanski comes from an offensive background, but his ouster in Cleveland could mean that current Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will be hitting the job market soon. Schwartz, 59, has also been a head coach in the NFL and has a Super Bowl in on his résumé following the 2017 season as the Eagles' DC. He has a track record of making an immediate impact with his defenses, executing dramatic first-year turnarounds in Buffalo, Philadelphia, and Cleveland. He was named 2023's Assistant Coach of the Year in his first season with the Browns.

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Both Morris and Schwartz will likely be in-demand candidates for any defensive coordinator job openings this offseason.

Not that the Cowboys have one of those. Yet.

Todd is on X at @ToddBrock24f7. Also, follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Could Cowboys eye Falcons, Browns for defensive coordinator options?