FRISCO - We have to call this a "rumor'' because had it come true, it would've marked a violation in the relationship between Robert Saleh and the San Francisco

Former Jets head coach Robert Saleh has officially taken the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator job - the role he was in before New York hired him to be their top guy in 2021.

Dallas was neither ambitious nor thorough in its coaching search. Time will tell whether Brian Schottenheimer was a good hire, but there's a reason the Cowboys way hasn't been working for years.

Schottenheimer's skill set, energy and understanding of the Cowboys' current situation helped Jerry Jones make his decision.

Jerry Jones went with Brian Schottenheimer over Kellen Moore, who spent five seasons with the Cowboys from 2018-2022, with the latter four seasons as the team’s offensive coordinator.

Jerry defended the decision as the culmination of a “thorough, thorough process.” The Cowboys interviewed Robert Saleh, Leslie Frazier, Kellen Moore, and Schottenheimer. They created some buzz by making it known that they spoke to Deion Sanders and Pete Carroll, although neither was officially interviewed.

Owner Jerry Jones explains why Schottenheimer was the choice to replace Mike McCarthy after disappointing 7-10 season.

While it’s still unclear how Schottenheimer’s staff with the Cowboys will look, ESPN reported ex-Bears head coach Matt Eberflus is a “prime candidate” for the defensive coordinator job. Schottenheimer’s Dallas promotion leaves the Saints as the only team with a head coaching vacancy left to fill.

Schottenheimer replaced Mike McCarthy, who recently departed after five seasons. McCarthy (49-35) led the Cowboys to the postseason three times, getting just one victory. McCarthy also produced three consecutive 12-win seasons.

According to multiple reports, the Cowboys have interviewed former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer for the vacant head coaching position to replace Mike McCarthy. And apparently, he could be in the drivers seat. MORE: Cowboys, Brian Schottenheimer momentum is building & fans aren't happy

The Cowboys hired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus this week and they've filled one of the other coaching roles on that side of the ball as well.