The Dallas Cowboys have officially relieved Matt Eberflus of his duties as defensive coordinator, according to sources reported by ESPN Insider Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
This decision comes just two days after the Cowboys concluded their season, finishing at the bottom of the league in points allowed per game and in 30th place for total yards allowed.
Eberflus”s exit marks a significant change for the Cowboys, who will be seeking their fourth defensive coordinator in four years. He follows Dan Quinn (2023) and Mike Zimmer (2024) in a trend of rapid turnover at the position.
During Eberflus”s tenure, the Cowboys allowed an alarming average of more than 30 points per game, setting a franchise record by surrendering a total of 511 points over the season. This was the seventh instance since Jerry Jones became the owner and general manager in 1989 that the Cowboys” defense allowed over 400 points, and each time it has resulted in a change in the defensive coordinator or a major shift in scheme.
Compounding the issues, the Cowboys traded away All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons just before the season commenced, leading to a lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The team managed to register only 35 sacks, the lowest since 2020.
Throughout the season, opponents consistently found success against the Cowboys defense, with nine teams scoring more than 30 points in a game. The Cowboys allowed either a touchdown or a field goal on 91 of 177 drives. They also ranked poorly, giving up 377 yards per game, which was among the worst in the league.
Despite improvements in their run defense, which still ranked 23rd overall, the secondary struggled significantly. Opposing quarterbacks had a completion rate of 68.5%, with notable performances from less prominent players. For instance, Russell Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns in Week 2, and Justin Fields achieved a season-high 282 yards against the Cowboys.
At various points during the season, Jones expressed frustration with the defense”s performance but did not place the entire blame on Eberflus. A trade for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams provided a brief boost during a three-game winning streak, but this momentum could not be sustained.
As the Cowboys look ahead, they are set to enter a pivotal offseason with two first-round picks in the upcoming draft. However, they lack selections in the second and third rounds due to trades for Williams and wide receiver George Pickens. With five starters or regulars facing free agency, a defensive overhaul appears inevitable after the disappointing 2025 campaign.
