Former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus returns to the Cowboys as defensive coordinator. Can he revamp Dallas’ defense and help break their NFC Championship drought?
The Dallas Cowboys have hired Matt Eberflus as their new defensive coordinator, the team announced Tuesday. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero first reported the news on Monday.
ESPN’s Ed Werder also shared that Mike Zimmer, who was the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator last season, will not return and is likely to retire.
Eberflus’ Coaching History
Eberflus is no stranger to the Cowboys. He worked as the team’s linebackers coach from 2011 to 2017 and was also their passing game coordinator.
After leaving Dallas, he became defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts and later the head coach of the Chicago Bears in 2022.
Struggles in Chicago, But Success on Defense
Eberflus had a tough time as Bears head coach. In 2024, the team started strong with a 4-2 record, but then lost six straight games, leading to his firing.
Even though his time in Chicago didn’t go well, he was one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL when he coached the Colts. In 2020 and 2021, his defense ranked top 10 in scoring, run defense, and takeaways. Now, he’ll bring his experience to Dallas, where he will coach star defender Micah Parsons.
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Can Eberflus Help the Cowboys Win in the Playoffs?
The Cowboys have been good in the regular season under coach Mike McCarthy, making the playoffs three times. But they haven’t made it past the divisional round, and their last NFC Championship appearance was in 1995.
With Brian Schottenheimer leading the offense and Eberflus in charge of the defense, the Cowboys hope to build a strong coaching staff that can finally take them deep into the playoffs.
If Eberflus can improve the defense, the Cowboys might have a better chance to compete for a Super Bowl.
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