Cowboys finally fire Matt Eberflus after defensive struggles

The Dallas Cowboys have officially parted ways with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus following a disastrous defensive season that saw Dallas rank among the league’s worst on that side of the ball.

After the Cowboys’ disappointing 7‑9‑1 finish and a season‑ending loss that highlighted continued defensive breakdowns, owner Jerry Jones and the organization decided a new voice was needed to rebuild Dallas’s defense going forward.

Eberflus, who was hired in early 2025 after a long NFL coaching career that included a stint as head coach of the Chicago Bears and previous time with the Cowboys coaching staff, struggled to find defensive consistency in Dallas. The unit allowed historically bad point totals and yardage throughout the season, intensifying pressure on the coordinator

Who’s next? Potential defensive coordinator targets

With the defensive coordinator job open, Dallas has an opportunity to revamp a unit that underperformed for the majority of the 2025 season. Here are some realistic names and fits circulating in league discussions:

Jonathan Gannon

A top name now that he’s been let go as Arizona Cardinals head coach after three seasons, Gannon has a strong defensive resume. As former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator, his units were among the league’s best, particularly in pass defense. He also has connected relationships with Cowboys staff via former shared coaching stops, which could help in evaluation.

Raheem Morris

Fresh off being fired by the Falcons, Morris has drawn attention for his defensive work earlier in his career, including helping build the Buccaneers’ top‑ranked defense in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl run. His experience and defensive mind make him an intriguing candidate if Dallas wants a veteran with championship experience.

Jim Schwartz

While still currently serving as the DC on the Browns staff (and could be affected by their own coaching changes), Schwartz is another seasoned defensive coach who could be in play if Cleveland moves on from him. He’s respected around the league and could bring a physical, aggressive identity to Dallas’s defense.

The Cowboys defense was a glaring weakness in 2025, and overhauling the coordinator position is now essential to improve the team’s overall identity. Dallas missed the playoffs and has elite offensive talent, but without a solid defense, consistent contention remains out of reach.

Fan’s patience has been running thin as many publicly criticized the defensive performance, setting the stage for a new chapter in Dallas’s coaching strategy. The next hire, and how quickly it happens, could signal whether the Cowboys are finally serious about fixing the defense once and for all.

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