Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is reportedly considering a change at defensive coordinator, fueled by concerns regarding the team’s performance and a former player’s assessment of the situation. Matt Eberflus, who has overseen the defense for three seasons, is facing increased scrutiny following the Cowboys’ recent struggles.
Former Cowboys defensive end Damontre Moore has offered a candid perspective, alleging a lack of trust within the locker room. Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Moore stated, “Just call it what it is. No trust. No trust at all.” He explained that the team’s leadership – including players like Trevon Diggs, Daron Bland, and DeMarvion Overshown – is not being fully utilized, and that the defense is relying on them to execute coverages effectively.
The Cowboys’ defensive performance has been consistently below expectations this season. Over 14 games, the unit has conceded fewer than 20 points only once, with multiple instances of 30-point games, including losses to the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings. In Week 15, the Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy dismantled the defense, throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns, leading to a 34-26 defeat that dropped the Cowboys’ record to 6-7-1.
Despite the criticism, a change at defensive coordinator would be a significant move, considering Eberflus’s short tenure. The Cowboys have already made multiple roster adjustments, including trading pass rusher Micah Parsons, adding defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson, and bringing back linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and cornerback Shavon Revel.
However, these changes haven’t yielded the desired results. As of Week 16, the Cowboys rank 29th in total yards allowed, 32nd in passing yards, 18th in rushing yards, and 31st in points surrendered. ESPN’s Football Power Index estimates the Cowboys’ chances of making the playoffs at just 1%.
Jerry Jones hasn’t ruled out a coaching change, acknowledging the need for improvements. “Candidly, just to be very up front about it,” Jones stated, “I think if we could have gotten this defense in better shape earlier, we could be sitting here with the kind of wins that would’ve not had us in this tight spot.”
Looking ahead to the remaining three games, Jones emphasized the urgency of adjustments. “The adjustments that we should be making (defensively) should be with these next three games in mind,” he added, “With three games left in the short time that we’ve got to play them in, then that will impact any adjustments that you make regarding coaching with the time frame we’re dealing with. That’s a legit question.”
The Cowboys’ recent struggles, particularly the minimal impact of Logan Wilson’s first start, further intensify the pressure on Eberflus. If the defense continues to underperform, he could become the Cowboys’ second straight one-and-done defensive coordinator, following in the footsteps of Mike Zimmer.