A contender for the position of defensive coordinator for the Cowboys is Matt Eberflus.

The Dallas Cowboys, historically one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, have always prided themselves on having a dynamic and disruptive defense. From the “Doomsday Defense” of the 1970s to the more recent stellar performances led by players like DeMarcus Ware and Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ defense has been a key component of their identity. However, in recent years, the defense has experienced a series of ups and downs, and as the team looks to make a serious Super Bowl push in 2025, the Cowboys are once again looking for a defensive coordinator who can help elevate their defense to new heights.

Enter Matt Eberflus. Known for his sharp defensive mind and his ability to build disciplined, aggressive units, Eberflus has garnered attention as a potential candidate for the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator role. With a proven track record of success at both the collegiate and professional levels, Eberflus could be the ideal fit to help solidify the Cowboys’ defense as a true contender in the NFC.

This article will explore Matt Eberflus’s background, his coaching philosophy, and the potential impact he could have on the Dallas Cowboys if he were to take over as their defensive coordinator. We will also examine how his defensive strategies could mesh with the personnel already in place in Dallas and assess whether he could be the missing piece that helps the Cowboys get back to their Super Bowl aspirations.

A Look at Matt Eberflus’s Coaching Background

Before diving into how Eberflus could impact the Cowboys’ defense, it’s important to understand his coaching background and what makes him such a sought-after defensive mind.

Eberflus’s rise to prominence began at the University of Toledo, where he served as the defensive coordinator from 2014 to 2017. His defenses at Toledo were consistently ranked among the best in the nation, known for their fast, aggressive style of play. Eberflus’s ability to develop talent and produce top-tier defenses quickly caught the eye of NFL scouts and general managers.

In 2018, Eberflus made the leap to the NFL when he was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts under head coach Frank Reich. This move marked the beginning of his ascent in the professional ranks, and Eberflus immediately turned the Colts’ defense into one of the most feared units in the league. In just his second season with the Colts, Eberflus’s defense finished the year ranked in the top 10 in total yards allowed and passing yards allowed. His ability to build a solid defense in such a short amount of time impressed many across the league.

Eberflus’s coaching philosophy focuses on discipline, intelligence, and aggression. He is a strong believer in the importance of fundamentals, and he emphasizes tackling, positional awareness, and creating turnovers. Under his leadership, the Colts defense consistently ranked among the league’s best in turnover margin, a testament to his focus on creating opportunities for the offense while stifling the opposition. His defensive schemes are built on multiple looks and versatility, allowing players to attack from different angles and keep offenses guessing.

The success Eberflus experienced in Indianapolis made him a candidate for head coaching positions, and in 2022, he was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. While his tenure in Chicago has had its share of challenges, his defensive acumen remains unquestioned, and his ability to build a disciplined and opportunistic defense is evident in his coaching philosophy.

Eberflus’s Defensive Philosophy

At the core of Matt Eberflus’s defensive philosophy is the concept of “HITS”, an acronym that stands for Hustle, Intensity, Takeaways, and Smart. This represents everything Eberflus values as a coach and has been the foundation of his coaching career. Let’s break down what each component of the HITS principle entails and how it could translate to the Dallas Cowboys:

1. Hustle: Eberflus demands maximum effort from his players on every single play. His defenses are known for being fast and relentless, chasing down ball carriers and applying pressure on quarterbacks. Under his leadership, defenders are expected to swarm to the ball and make sure they are never outworked.
2. Intensity: Eberflus’s units play with a high level of intensity, knowing that every snap matters. He instills a sense of urgency in his players and emphasizes physicality, especially in the front seven. This intensity carries over into all facets of his defense, from pass rushes to coverage, ensuring that opposing offenses feel constant pressure.
3. Takeaways: Creating turnovers is one of Eberflus’s primary objectives as a defensive coordinator. His emphasis on takeaways is reflected in the Colts’ defenses, which consistently ranked near the top of the league in forced fumbles and interceptions. He understands the value of turning over the ball and the momentum shift that turnovers can provide for his team.
4. Smart: Eberflus demands that his players understand the game and make intelligent decisions on the field. This includes awareness in coverage, quick decision-making on the fly, and the ability to read the opposing offense. His defense is well-disciplined, and players are expected to stick to their assignments while also being able to react quickly to changing circumstances.

This philosophy has helped Eberflus achieve success at every level of coaching, and it would undoubtedly have a positive impact on the Dallas Cowboys’ defense. The Cowboys have often been praised for their talent, especially with players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence. However, a defensive system that emphasizes hustle, intensity, takeaways, and smart football could take their already talented roster to the next level.

How Eberflus’s Philosophy Would Fit with the Cowboys’ Personnel

One of the reasons Matt Eberflus could be an ideal fit for the Dallas Cowboys is that his defensive principles align perfectly with the skill set and strengths of the team’s existing roster.

• Micah Parsons: Parsons, arguably the Cowboys’ most explosive defensive player, would thrive in Eberflus’s system. Parsons is known for his versatility—he can rush the passer, cover receivers, and play off the ball as a linebacker. Eberflus’s defense, which focuses on creating pressure and making opportunistic plays, would give Parsons the freedom to use his athleticism to make plays all over the field. Parsons’s high motor and relentless pursuit of the ball would fit perfectly with Eberflus’s emphasis on hustle and intensity.
• Trevon Diggs: Diggs is known for his ability to create turnovers, and Eberflus’s system would allow Diggs to use his playmaking skills to the fullest. Under Eberflus’s tutelage, Diggs would be encouraged to take calculated risks, go after interceptions, and create chaos in the passing game. Diggs’s high football IQ and ability to read the quarterback would be assets in a defense that focuses on smart football and creating turnovers.
• DeMarcus Lawrence: Lawrence has been one of the most consistent pass rushers for the Cowboys over the years. Eberflus’s defensive system would allow Lawrence to continue to be a key player in the pass rush, while also providing him with more opportunities to make plays in different areas of the defense. Eberflus’s schemes often involve varying pressure looks, which could help Lawrence get more favorable matchups and increase his ability to disrupt the quarterback.
• The Defensive Line: Eberflus is known for having a disciplined and aggressive defensive line, and the Cowboys’ front seven, which includes Lawrence, Parsons, and young players like Osa Odighizuwa and Neville Gallimore, would be a perfect fit for Eberflus’s aggressive, gap-disciplined approach. Eberflus’s defensive line often plays with speed and violence, emphasizing controlling the line of scrimmage and setting the tone for the defense.
• The Secondary: Eberflus’s defense also emphasizes sound coverage and smart positioning in the secondary. The Cowboys have a talented group of defensive backs, including Trevon Diggs, who is known for his ball skills, and promising young players like DaRon Bland. Eberflus would help develop these players further, ensuring that they understand their roles and are ready to take advantage of opportunities in the passing game.

In many ways, Eberflus’s defensive philosophy would be a perfect complement to the Cowboys’ existing personnel. His focus on hustle and intensity would align well with the Cowboys’ aggressive playmakers, while his emphasis on smart, disciplined football would help take the team’s defense to the next level.

Why Eberflus Could Be the Right Choice for the Cowboys

There are several reasons why Matt Eberflus could be the right defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025:

1. Proven Success: Eberflus has a proven track record of success, both in the NFL and at the collegiate level. He has demonstrated the ability to turn around struggling defenses and create units that excel in multiple areas, particularly in generating turnovers and applying pressure. His ability to adapt and evolve his defense to suit the strengths of his players makes him an attractive candidate for the Cowboys.
2. Fit with Team Personnel: Eberflus’s defensive schemes align well with the Cowboys’ current roster. With elite pass rushers like Parsons and Lawrence, as well as a talented secondary, Eberflus’s system could take the Cowboys’ defense from good to great. His focus on creating turnovers and playing with intensity would mesh perfectly with the team’s current skill set.
3. Leadership and Discipline: Eberflus is known for instilling discipline and accountability in his players. He runs a tight ship, ensuring that his players are always prepared, mentally and physically. This leadership could help elevate the Cowboys’ defense, especially in high-pressure situations during critical games.
4. Potential for Growth: Eberflus’s ability to develop young players could be key for the Cowboys. The team has several emerging stars on defense, and Eberflus could provide the coaching and structure needed to help them realize their full potential. If he can continue to develop the Cowboys’ defensive players while maintaining a strong, aggressive approach, he could lead the team to new heights.