Dallas eyes Brian Flores, but internal concerns about his "culture" and potential disruption create internal friction for Jerry Jones.
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys’ ever-expanding list of defensive coordinator candidates to replace the fired Matt Eberflus has - as I write this - an assortment of “official’’ names.
But sources, reports, rumors and common sense suggest that during this coach Brian Schottenheimer-led search, “as I write this’’ is going to need to be amended. A lot.
Official movement so far? That list reads like this:
Ephraim Banda, Browns safeties coach - interview completed.
Charlie Bullen, Giants interim defensive coordinator - request submitted.
Demarcus Covington, Packers defensive line coach/run game coordinator - request submitted.
Jonathan Gannon, former Cardinals head coach - interview completed.
Daronte Jones, Vikings defensive pass game coordinator - interview completed.
Jim Leonhard, Broncos defensive pass game coordinator - interview completed.
Zach Orr, Ravens defensive coordinator - interview completed.
Christian Parker, Eagles pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach - interview requested.
Jeff Ulbrich, Falcons defensive coordinator - request blocked.
Aaron Whitecotton, Cowboys defensive line coach - interview completed.
Now to the “unofficial’’ names being bandied about …
Gerald Alexander, Steelers secondary coach - Nick Harris notes his connections with Klayton Adams, Brian Schottenheimer and even Brian Flores.
Oh, and of course his connection with Mike Tomlin, who is very much in the news, if you haven’t noticed.
Wait, did I say “Flores’’? Hang tight.
Jonathan Cooley, Carolina pass game coordinator - A Harris suggestion.
Corey Hetherman, Miami Hurricanes defensive coordinator - A Tim Cowlishaw suggestion.
Chuck Pagano, Ravens secondary coach - A Harris suggestion.
Jim Schwartz, Browns Defensive Coordinator - An “everybody’’ suggestion.
Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator - I’m busting out of alphabetical order to save the best for last …
I’m told Dallas remains interested. But …
On Wednesday, the rival Commanders hosted Flores for an in-person interview for their defensive coordinator opening. So the idea that Flores is holding out for head-coach visits only is gone.
What’s left? “Culture’’ and “uncomfortability.’’ Cowboys owner Jerry Jones loves both words, which is cool.
Wanna change the culture? Put the gruff, no-nonsense Flores in charge.
Wanna create “uncomfortability’'? Let Flores offer his two cents on the “Cowboys circus’’ and listen to him. (When the fan tours march through The Star, you think Flores is going to stop for wide-grin selfies?)
The concern with Jerry? He likes the culture that he’s created. And when he cites “uncomfortability’’ as an edge, he’s talking about his coaches and players being uncomfortable …
Whereas if Brian Flores comes here, the “uncomfortability’’ victim might be Jerry himself.