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By Jett Hatch
Contributing Sports Writer
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Dallas 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.
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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
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