...
By Jett HatchShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberDallas Considers NFC East Rival’s Rising Star to Revamp Defense
The Dallas Cowboys have taken an unusual step in their defensive coordinator search by requesting permission to interview New York Giants interim defensive coordinator Charlie Bullen, a coach from a division rival,.
Dallas fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus at the end of the 2025 season and has been actively pursuing a replacement through a series of interviews and interview requests. The Cowboys’ search has included a broad mix of defensive minds around the league.
Bullen’s Rising Profile
Charlie Bullen, 41, stepped into the Giants’ defensive coordinator role on an interim basis after the team dismissed Shane Bowen in November. Bullen originally joined the Giants as their outside linebackers coach in 2024 and was elevated when the staff shakeup occurred.
The Cowboys’ request marks a rare occasion in the NFL coaching carousel where a team has sought to interview a coordinator from a direct division rival during the same offseason. ESPN's Todd Archer posted on X, "Since Bullen was an interim, it was explained to me that the request could not be denied."
While this could lead to a new opportunity for Bullen in Dallas, it also raises questions about his future with the Giants, especially as New York continues its own coaching changes. The Giants are actively interviewing candidates for their vacant head coaching position, with top names like John Harbaugh scheduled for meetings. It remains unclear how a new Giants head coach would fit Bullen into their defensive plans or whether he would be retained in any capacity.
A Deepening Search in Dallas
The Cowboys’ interest in Bullen highlights how wide the search has become. Alongside him, Dallas has pursued interviews or requests with a range of defensive minds. With their defensive coordinator position a top priority this offseason, the Cowboys are moving methodically to assemble a staff that can improve a unit that struggled at times in 2025.
What’s Next
As the coaching hiring cycle heats up across the NFL, Bullen’s potential interview with the Cowboys could raise his profile further and potentially lead to new opportunities, whether in Dallas or elsewhere. For the Giants, his performance as interim DC has already boosted his reputation, and now even division foes are taking notice.
For more: Chiefs’ Offensive Guru Could Take the Reins in Tennessee
Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines
Add Newsweek as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Related Podcasts
Top Stories
WorldAirlines To Avoid Iranian, Iraqi Airspace, As Officials Warn War is ‘Imminent’3 min read
NewsDonald Trump Won’t Rule Out Leaving NATO Over Greenland5 min read
For MembersNewsUncommon Knowledge: If Iran Is on the Brink, Californian Pistachios Helped Put It There4 min read
NewsRepublicans Ripped For Flipping on Trump War Powers Effort3 min read
PoliticsKristi Noem Impeachment Moves Forward: Full List of Sponsors5 min read
PoliticsTim Walz Articles of Impeachment Threat: What We Know5 min readTrending
Air qualityThousands Advised To Stay Indoors in Oregon, Nevada, California, Georgia3 min read
ArrestActor Kiefer Sutherland Arrested in Hollywood—What We Know3 min read
WeatherWinter Storm Warning As 20 Inches of Snow To Strike5 min read
Donald TrumpDonald Trump Sends Direct Message to Renee Good’s Father5 min read
ChocolateChocolate Recalled Nationwide as Warning Issued3 min readOpinion
OpinionTrump and RFK Jr. May Usher in a Blue Tsunami | Opinion4 min read
OpinionIn Transgender Sports Case, SCOTUS Must Side with Truth and Common Sense6 min read
OpinionThe Trump Administration Is Moving To Fix a Broken Permitting System | Opinion4 min read
For MembersOpinionConventional Wisdom: Fed Criminal Investigation Edition4 min read
OpinionThe Case for Civil Unrest | Opinion5 min read
