Cowboys Expected to Fire Defensive Coordinator After Disastrous Season

Defense Hits Rock Bottom

The Dallas Cowboys' 2025 season ended with a familiar sight: their defense getting torched in a season-finale loss to the New York Giants. The Cowboys allowed 34 points and 380 yards in their season-ending loss at the New York Giants on Sunday , capping off what may go down as one of the worst defensive seasons in franchise history.

The Cowboys have the No. 30 overall defense and No. 32 scoring defense, allowing 376.8 total yards and 29.8 points per game . Even more alarming, the Cowboys have allowed a franchise-record 477 points with one game still remaining at the time of some reports. The numbers paint a picture of defensive futility that has Cowboys ownership questioning everything.

First-year defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who was brought in after a tumultuous stint as Chicago Bears head coach, has struggled to establish any semblance of defensive identity. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said, "Bottom line, we need an identity on the defensive side of the ball. I don't think we established that this year. Whether it's Coach (Matt) Eberflus or whoever it is, we have to create an identity."

Black Monday Looms Large

As the NFL's infamous "Black Monday" approaches, multiple sources indicate that Eberflus is unlikely to survive the coaching purge. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that "The #Cowboys are expected to make changes on their coaching staff — with the main focus on the defense and DC Matt Eberflus. There has been dissatisfaction with that side of the ball from ownership all season."

The timing couldn't be worse for Eberflus, whose defense collapsed when it mattered most. Dallas gave up at least 30 points in eight games this season while allowing at least 40 points in three games . The unit's inability to generate pressure or stop opposing offenses has been a season-long nightmare that finally reached its breaking point.

The Cowboys could have four D-coordinators in as many years if they move on from Eberflus. Dan Quinn left following the 2023 season to take over as Washington's coach, and Mike Zimmer was one and done in the role . This revolving door of defensive coordinators highlights a deeper organizational problem that goes beyond any single coach.

Systemic Problems Run Deep

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has tried to deflect some blame from Eberflus, acknowledging that the defensive struggles predate the current coordinator. Jones said, "Don't blame this all on [Matt Eberflus]. This took five or six years to get here. This is a product of several years of combinations of philosophies. I can make a case for you that we haven't had satisfactory defense for five or six years."

The defensive collapse was exacerbated by questionable personnel decisions, including the shocking trade that sent All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers for DT Kenny Clark and two first-round picks . Without Parsons in the lineup, Dallas has been unable to generate much of a pass rush. That, in turn, has put a ton of pressure on the Cowboys' secondary, leading to their league-worst pass defense .

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who took over from Mike McCarthy this season, has remained diplomatically supportive while acknowledging the obvious need for change. Schottenheimer said, "We will look at all the stats and have conversations with the players. He's a really good defensive coach, but we are going through the process and that starts with myself. There is going to be hard conversations in a good way."

Looking Ahead to 2026

The expected firing of Eberflus represents more than just a coaching change—it's an admission that the Cowboys' defensive philosophy needs a complete overhaul. With the team finishing 7-9-1 and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year, ownership faces mounting pressure to find stability on the defensive side of the ball.

The challenge ahead is significant. Per Jordan Schultz, Eberflus is unlikely to be retained by the Cowboys after this season. Brian Schottenheimer and Cowboys ownership has their fall guy, fair or not. Eberflus remains a coveted assistant and should land on his feet somewhere, but this isn't the Cowboys gig he signed up for .

As Black Monday approaches, the Cowboys face a familiar dilemma: finding their fourth defensive coordinator in four years while trying to build sustainable success. The defensive coordinator carousel continues to spin in Dallas, leaving fans wondering when—or if—the organization will finally find the right formula to stop opposing offenses and return to championship contention.