Jimmy Johnson Believes Cowboys Can 'Make a Run' at Super Bowl

Former Cowboys coach says defensive improvements could propel team to championship contention.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:55pm

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Jimmy Johnson, the former Dallas Cowboys head coach who won two Super Bowls with the team in the early 1990s, believes the Cowboys can make a run at the Super Bowl next season if they can improve their defense. Johnson recently spoke with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and advised him that even modest defensive improvements could pay big dividends for the Cowboys' high-powered offense.

Why it matters

The Cowboys have struggled on defense in recent seasons, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key defensive categories. Johnson's advice to Jones suggests that the team may be able to contend for a championship by shoring up their defensive unit, rather than needing a complete overhaul.

The details

Johnson praised the work of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer last season, but said the Cowboys' defense was "horrible." He told Jones that even modest defensive improvements, combined with the team's offensive firepower, could be enough for the Cowboys to make a deep playoff run. Johnson was initially critical of the team's decision to trade star linebacker Micah Parsons, but acknowledged that it may have been the right move given Parsons' injury history.

  • Johnson spoke with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones after the 2025 NFL season.
  • The Cowboys had the 30th-ranked defense in the NFL in 2025, surrendering 377 yards per game.

The players

Jimmy Johnson

The former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, who won two Super Bowl titles with the team in the early 1990s.

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys.

Micah Parsons

An All-Pro linebacker for the Cowboys who was traded to the Green Bay Packers prior to the 2025 season.

Quinnen Williams

A Pro Bowl defensive tackle acquired by the Cowboys in a midseason trade with the New York Jets in 2025.

Brian Schottenheimer

The offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Jerry and I talk on occasion. And we're fine, we're good. Every time I talk to him he's says, 'Man, I need to talk to you more.' You have my number.”

— Jimmy Johnson, Former Cowboys Head Coach (The Pat McAfee Show)

“Brian Schottenheimer did an outstanding job in a difficult situation last year, they were just horrible on defense. … I talked to Jerry Jones not too long ago after the season and I said, 'You can make corrections on that defense,' and it may not be that you're going to be dominant, but if you're just good, just so-so, you're going to be so good on offense (especially) if you can keep (pending free agent receiver George) Pickens. If you can keep him and get the running back situation going, you can have an outstanding team and make a run at it, because you're that good offensively.' But they have to make corrections on defense.”

— Jimmy Johnson, Former Cowboys Head Coach (The Pat McAfee Show)

“I didn't like it at all, but of course him getting injured, maybe it was the right thing to do because he's a little undersized and he's had a couple of injuries. I just don't think you get rid of game-changing players. … And he was a game-changer.”

— Jimmy Johnson, Former Cowboys Head Coach (The Pat McAfee Show)

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to address their defensive issues in the offseason, either through free agency, the draft, or a combination of both, as they aim to build a championship-caliber team around their high-powered offense.

The takeaway

Jimmy Johnson's advice to Jerry Jones suggests the Cowboys may not need a complete defensive overhaul to contend for a Super Bowl, but rather modest improvements that could unlock the team's full potential on offense. The team's ability to address its defensive shortcomings will be a key storyline to watch as the Cowboys look to return to championship contention.