After a disappointing tenure with the Bears, Matt Eberflus rejoins the Cowboys as defensive coordinator.

The NFL coaching carousel is always in full swing, with teams constantly looking for the right mix of leadership and strategy to drive their success. In a surprising move, Matt Eberflus, who has experienced mixed results in his tenure as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, is set to rejoin the Dallas Cowboys as their defensive coordinator. Eberflus’ return to the Cowboys signals a potential shift in the direction of the team’s defense and an opportunity for redemption after his underwhelming time in Chicago.

This article will explore the significance of Eberflus’ return to the Cowboys, his previous stint with the team, what he brings to the table as a defensive strategist, and how his leadership could help elevate Dallas’ defense to elite levels. It will also delve into the expectations surrounding Eberflus’ second tenure in Dallas and whether he can rekindle the success he once had as a coordinator in his earlier career.

The Rise of Matt Eberflus: From Assistant to Head Coach

Before examining his return to Dallas, it’s essential to understand Matt Eberflus’ career trajectory and why he was brought into the Cowboys’ fold in the first place. Eberflus first gained recognition in the NFL as a defensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts under head coach Frank Reich. His time in Indianapolis was marked by a strong defensive unit that played with discipline, aggressiveness, and an emphasis on creating turnovers. In 2018, his defense finished 10th in total yards allowed and 8th in points allowed, with standout players like linebacker Darius Leonard thriving in his system. The Colts’ defense, under Eberflus, was noted for its ability to disrupt opposing offenses and play a hard-nosed, physical brand of football.

Eberflus’ success in Indianapolis earned him significant attention, and in 2022, he was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. However, his time with the Bears would not go as smoothly. While he had a clear vision for what he wanted to accomplish, his tenure was marked by an underwhelming record, an inability to develop the offense, and a defense that struggled to perform consistently despite Eberflus’ background as a defensive-minded coach.

In his two years with the Bears, Eberflus compiled a record of 8-24, with few signs of improvement. The team’s defense, while occasionally showing flashes of brilliance, often struggled to generate pressure on the quarterback or stop the run. The lack of sustained success led to a growing sense of disappointment and frustration, and ultimately, Eberflus was let go by the Bears after the 2024 season.

While his time in Chicago may not have been a success, it was clear that Eberflus had a strong foundation as a defensive strategist. His return to the Cowboys signals an opportunity for a fresh start, where he can take what he learned from his time with the Bears and apply it to a more talented roster.

Why the Cowboys Hired Matt Eberflus

The decision to bring Matt Eberflus back to Dallas as the team’s defensive coordinator speaks to the high regard the Cowboys have for his defensive acumen. Eberflus’ previous tenure with the Cowboys was marked by impressive results, as he served as the team’s linebackers coach from 2011 to 2017. Under his guidance, the Cowboys had one of the most productive linebacker units in the NFL, with players like Sean Lee, Leighton Vander Esch, and Jaylon Smith excelling in his system.

During this time, the Cowboys’ defense was known for its speed, discipline, and ability to shut down the run. Eberflus was instrumental in developing the linebacking corps, and his attention to detail and coaching fundamentals were highly regarded. The Cowboys were among the league’s best in stopping the run, and the defense showed a propensity for making key stops in critical moments. With his experience in Dallas and a proven track record as a linebackers coach, Eberflus was seen as a natural fit to take over as the team’s defensive coordinator.

But beyond his previous success with the Cowboys, the decision to hire Eberflus also reflects the team’s focus on continuing to develop and improve their defense. The Cowboys’ defense, led by current defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, has shown substantial improvement in recent seasons, especially with the addition of superstar talents like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and others. However, the team still seeks to reach the next level of consistency, especially in the postseason. With Eberflus bringing his defensive mindset and ability to develop talent, the Cowboys are hoping to solidify themselves as a perennial top-tier defensive unit.

Eberflus’ return to Dallas is a reflection of the Cowboys’ desire to have someone who not only understands the intricacies of defensive football but also has a proven ability to help players reach their full potential. The combination of his prior success in Dallas and his recent experiences will allow him to make a significant impact on the Cowboys’ defense in 2025.

What Eberflus Brings to the Cowboys Defense

Eberflus is known for his aggressive defensive schemes, which often focus on creating turnovers and applying constant pressure on the quarterback. His defensive system prioritizes discipline, gap control, and the ability to play fast. This philosophy has been a hallmark of his success in Indianapolis and his earlier years in Dallas.

With Eberflus now leading the Cowboys defense, there are several aspects of his coaching style that could make a major difference:

1. Development of Linebackers and Front Seven

As a former linebackers coach, Eberflus has a deep understanding of how to develop linebackers who are capable of playing sideline-to-sideline while also being effective in coverage. With standout players like Micah Parsons, Leighton Vander Esch, and Damone Clark, Eberflus has a wealth of talent at his disposal. Under his tutelage, Parsons could take another step forward in his development, refining his pass-rushing technique and improving in coverage. Vander Esch, who has dealt with injuries throughout his career, could benefit from Eberflus’ emphasis on maintaining discipline and staying healthy, while Clark could see significant improvement as he continues to develop.

Eberflus’ system has often featured linebackers who excel in both run defense and coverage. In Chicago, linebackers Roquan Smith and Tremaine Edmunds were two of the top players in the NFL in terms of tackles, coverage ability, and overall production. For the Cowboys, this means that their linebacker group, which is already formidable, could see even greater production and become a major asset to the defense.

2. Aggressive, Turnover-Focused Defense

Eberflus has always emphasized creating turnovers, whether it’s forcing fumbles, getting interceptions, or applying pressure on the quarterback to create mistakes. The Cowboys have already had a strong turnover margin in recent years, with Trevon Diggs leading the way in interceptions and Micah Parsons wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Eberflus’ aggressive approach will likely give these players even more opportunities to make plays.

Parsons, who has already developed into one of the most feared pass-rushers in the NFL, could see his sack numbers increase even further under Eberflus’ guidance. Eberflus’ use of different defensive fronts and creative blitzing could allow Parsons to fully maximize his potential, while the secondary may also see more opportunities to capitalize on mistakes, allowing players like Diggs to rack up additional takeaways.

3. Discipline and Consistency

One of the keys to Eberflus’ success in Indianapolis was his ability to instill discipline and consistency in his players. While the Bears’ defense was inconsistent during his tenure, much of that had to do with the struggles on the offensive side of the ball, which led to an overall team dysfunction. In Dallas, Eberflus will benefit from a more stable offensive situation and a team that is already established defensively. The Cowboys’ defense will be expected to play with the same level of discipline and consistency that Eberflus demanded in his previous coaching roles.

Under Eberflus, the Cowboys could become a defense that excels not only in creating big plays but also in maintaining sound fundamentals, forcing opponents into difficult situations, and shutting down their game plans. With a defense already boasting the likes of Parsons, Diggs, and others, Eberflus’ discipline-focused approach will complement the high-level talent already in place.

Expectations and Challenges for Eberflus in Dallas

Despite his successes as a defensive coordinator in the past, Eberflus will face significant challenges as he re-enters the role with the Cowboys. While the team’s defense is already strong, there are a few areas in which they will need to improve to elevate themselves to the elite level.

For one, the Cowboys’ defense has sometimes struggled against the run, particularly in high-stakes games. With teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers boasting strong rushing attacks, Eberflus will need to ensure that the Cowboys’ defense is stout against the run, particularly in the postseason. Additionally, he will need to work closely with the secondary to improve their consistency in coverage and ensure that the defense is able to generate pressure without relying solely on Parsons.

Another challenge for Eberflus will be maintaining a balance between aggression and discipline. His defense tends to be high-risk, high-reward, but he must be careful not to overcommit to blitzing and leave holes in coverage. In a high-powered league, where offenses are constantly evolving, Eberflus will need to adjust his schemes accordingly.