Cowboys fire DC Eberflus after 1 season
The Dallas Cowboys dismissed defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on Tuesday after one season, the team announced.
"Having known Matt Eberflus for decades now, we have tremendous respect and appreciation for him as a coach and a person," owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. "After reviewing and discussing the results of our defensive performance this season, though, it was clear that change is needed. This is the first step in that process and we will continue that review as it applies to reaching our much higher expectations."
Dallas missed the playoffs with a 7-9-1 record despite a high-scoring offense. The Cowboys' defense ranked last in points allowed this season, surrendering 30.1 points per game. The team was also 30th in yardage allowed.
Eberflus' unit allowed 40-plus points in three games and surrendered 30 or more points in nine games. Prior to the team's 34-17 loss to the New York Giants in the regular-season finale, he said he took "full accountability" for the unit being a disappointment.
The Cowboys' defense lost its most dangerous weapon prior to the start of the 2025 season, trading star pass-rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers due to a contract dispute with Jones. Without Parsons, Dallas registered 34 sacks this season, a steep decline from the 51 it produced in 2024.
Eberflus' termination means the Cowboys will open 2026 with their fourth defensive coordinator in as many years.