FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have taken a step forward in their coaching search by interviewing Seattle Seahawks assistant Leslie Frazier on Monday. Frazier becomes the third external candidate to speak with the Cowboys as they look for a replacement following the departure of former head coach Mike McCarthy.

Frazier’s interview marks the second in-person meeting with potential candidates. Just two days prior, the Cowboys met with Robert Saleh, the former head coach of the New York Jets. Additionally, Dallas conducted a virtual interview with Kellen Moore, the offensive coordinator from Philadelphia, last week.

Both Saleh and Frazier bring defensive expertise to the table. Previously, Frazier held a head coaching position with the Minnesota Vikings for over three seasons, concluding his tenure in 2013. Following that, he served as the defensive coordinator for both Tampa Bay and Buffalo. Recently, he completed his first season as the assistant head coach for the Seahawks.

Saleh has been active in the current coaching search cycle, having participated in numerous head coaching interviews. His time with the Jets came to an end after he was relieved of his duties just five games into his fourth season in 2024.

The Cowboys and McCarthy parted ways last week after discussions regarding a potential contract extension, as his original five-year deal came to a close. McCarthy also engaged in an interview with the Chicago Bears last week; however, a source informed that the Bears have opted to hire Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, as their new head coach.

In a notable development, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has had informal discussions with Deion Sanders, the head coach at Colorado and a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Sanders enjoyed a five-season career with the Cowboys, contributing to the team’s last Super Bowl victory that capped the 1995 season. Since then, the Cowboys have not advanced beyond the divisional round in the playoffs.