Expectations were high for Brian Schottenheimer and the Dallas Cowboys heading into the 2025 season after failing to make the playoffs the previous year. The team was led by an explosive offense and a roster that could have still contended in the NFC East despite losing linebacker Micah Parsons before the start of the season.
Quarterback Dak Prescott delivered another strong year passing to standout wide receivers, and Dallas’ offense finished among the league’s top units in yardage and scoring. However, their defense repeatedly underperformed, leaving gaps that opponents exploited late in games and costing the team valuable wins down the stretch.
The Cowboys closed the season with a 7-9-1 record and missed the playoffs for the second straight year, leaving owner Jerry Jones and the front office with difficult decisions about the future of the coaching staff.
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Dallas’ defensive struggles were stark: they finished with one of the worst defenses in the NFL, routinely allowing high yardage totals and finishes that highlighted schematic and personnel issues. As the season wound down, conversations around coaching changes swirled, with many in and around the organization questioning whether adjustments on the defensive side of the ball were needed.
On Tuesday, the Cowboys reportedly made the decision to fire defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after one season in charge of a unit that failed to develop consistent results.
Sources: The #Cowboys are firing DC Matt Eberflus.
During his lone season in Dallas, Eberflus’ unit ranked last in several categories — including 3rd down, red zone and passing defense. pic.twitter.com/Vvr3Nh8Il4— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 6, 2026
Eberflus, brought in to overhaul Dallas’ defense, saw his unit surrendering high point and yardage totals late in the year, culminating in a rough closing stretch that sealed the team’s playoff fate. During his tenure, Dallas ranked 30th in total defense, giving up 377 total yards per game in 2025. In contrast, it’s offense ranked second in the league in total offense (391.9 yards per game).
Dallas now begins the process of identifying its next defensive coordinator as Jones seeks to revamp the squad ahead of the 2026 season.
Related: Jerry Jones Announces OffSeason Update Amid Matt Eberflus Rumors