The Dallas Cowboys are making big changes to their coaching staff after a disappointing 2023 season. With Brian Schottenheimer replacing Mike McCarthy as head coach, the Cowboys have now turned to a familiar face to take over the defense. On Tuesday, the team announced the hiring of Matt Eberflus as their new defensive coordinator.
Eberflus, who previously worked for the Cowboys from 2011 to 2017, brings a wealth of experience and a strong defensive background. His return to Dallas could be the key to revamping the struggling defense and helping stars like Micah Parsons and DeMarvion Overshown reach new heights.
Eberflus’ Coaching Journey: From Dallas to Chicago and Back
Dallas Cowboys (2011-2017)
Eberflus started his NFL coaching career with the Cowboys as a linebackers coach under Jason Garrett. During his tenure, he played a major role in developing standout linebackers like Sean Lee and Anthony Hitchens. In his final two seasons, he was promoted to passing game coordinator, giving him additional defensive responsibilities.
Indianapolis Colts (2018-2021)
Eberflus took over as defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts in 2018. His time in Indy got off to a rocky start when Josh McDaniels backed out of the head coaching job after Eberflus had already signed his contract. However, he stayed with the team and helped build one of the league’s most consistent defenses.
Under Eberflus, the Colts ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense in three of his four seasons. His defensive success eventually led to his hiring as the Chicago Bears’ head coach in 2022.
Chicago Bears (2022-2023)
As head coach of the Bears, Eberflus struggled to turn things around. Chicago finished with a 14-32 record in his two-plus seasons, and despite defensive improvements in 2023, the team ultimately moved on. His experience as a head coach, however, should benefit the Cowboys as he returns to his specialty—defense.
Fixing the Cowboys’ Defensive Woes
The Cowboys’ defense struggled significantly in 2023, ranking 28th in yards allowed and 31st in points allowed under former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. With Zimmer, 68, now expected to retire, Eberflus will step in to clean up the mess.
Dallas has some elite defensive talent, especially in Micah Parsons, who is already one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Eberflus’ defensive system, which emphasizes discipline, fundamentals, and takeaways, could help the Cowboys regain their defensive dominance from the Dan Quinn era (2021-2022).
What This Means for the Cowboys’ Future
Hiring Eberflus signals that the Cowboys want to return to a defense-first mindset while maintaining continuity under Schottenheimer’s leadership. If Eberflus can get the most out of Parsons, Overshown, and the rest of the defense, the Cowboys could quickly turn things around and re-establish themselves as Super Bowl contenders.
While his time in Chicago was disappointing, Eberflus’ success in Indianapolis and his prior experience in Dallas make this an exciting hire for the Cowboys. Now, it’s up to him to prove he can rebuild the defense and lead the team to success.
