Stephen Jones Sends a Clear Message About the Cowboys’ Future as Defensive Overhaul Looms
The Dallas Cowboys are staring down yet another uncomfortable offseason, and this time, the frustration inside the organization is no longer being kept behind closed doors. With the team on the verge of missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season, executive vice president Stephen Jones has publicly acknowledged what fans and analysts have been saying for months: the Cowboys’ defense is broken—and major changes are coming.
Speaking candidly on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Stephen Jones made it unmistakably clear that the organization is deeply dissatisfied with the defensive side of the ball. His comments strongly suggest that defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus may be nearing the end of his tenure, as Dallas prepares for what could be a sweeping defensive reset ahead of the 2026 season.
Cowboys’ Defensive Failures Spill Into the Open
Stephen Jones did not mince words during his radio appearance. In one of the most transparent interviews from a Cowboys executive in recent years, he admitted that Dallas never figured out its defensive identity throughout the 2025 season.
“We’ve got to get an identity on the defensive side of the football,” Jones said.
“I don’t think we ever established what we were as a defense.”
That single admission speaks volumes.
In a league where defensive clarity—whether aggressive, bend-but-don’t-break, or turnover-driven—is critical to success, the Cowboys spent an entire season searching for answers and never finding them.
A Defense Without Direction
Stephen Jones went on to detail exactly where things unraveled:
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The defense failed to force turnovers
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It gave up too many explosive plays
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It lacked week-to-week consistency
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It could not protect leads in close games
These shortcomings were not isolated incidents; they defined the Cowboys’ season.
As the losses mounted, it became increasingly clear that the defensive unit lacked cohesion, confidence, and a unifying philosophy. For a franchise with championship aspirations, that reality is unacceptable.
“Whether it’s Coach Eberflus or whoever it is,” Jones added,
“we have to create an identity. We’ll go all in.”
Those words—or whoever it is—were impossible to ignore.
Matt Eberflus’ Tenure Appears to Be Near Its End
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus arrived in Dallas with a strong résumé. He was one of head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s first hires, bringing prior experience as the Chicago Bears’ head coach and a respected defensive architect during his time with the Indianapolis Colts.
Eberflus also had previous ties to the Cowboys, which initially made the hire feel safe, familiar, and strategically sound.
But the results never followed.
By season’s end, Dallas’ defense ranked:
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Last in the NFL in points allowed
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Near the bottom in takeaways
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Among the worst in explosive plays surrendered
To make matters worse, the unit just allowed the most points in franchise history, a statistic that resonates deeply in an organization that prides itself on legacy and tradition.
Despite Eberflus’ reputation, the defense regressed rather than improved—a fatal flaw in a results-driven league.
Jerry Jones Echoes the Urgency
Stephen Jones’ comments were not made in isolation. Over the past several weeks, Jerry Jones has repeatedly hinted that changes are inevitable, emphasizing urgency and accountability.
While Jerry has stopped short of publicly naming scapegoats, his tone has shifted noticeably—from patience to impatience, from evaluation to expectation.
Now, with Stephen Jones reinforcing that message publicly, the direction is clear: the Cowboys are preparing to act.
Brian Flores Emerges as a Potential Target
Around the league, speculation has already begun regarding who could replace Eberflus if Dallas makes a move.
One name generating significant buzz is Brian Flores, currently serving as the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator. Flores’ work in Minnesota has drawn widespread praise, with analysts highlighting his ability to:
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Establish a clear defensive identity
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Maximize talent through aggressive schemes
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Generate turnovers and pressure consistently
If Flores becomes available—or open to a move—league insiders believe teams will line up quickly, and Dallas could be among the most aggressive suitors.
For the Cowboys, landing a coach of Flores’ caliber would represent more than a personnel change; it would signal a philosophical shift toward accountability and modern defensive thinking.
Offense Has an Identity—Defense Does Not
Stephen Jones was careful to balance his criticism. While he expressed deep concern about the defense, he praised head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s leadership, energy, and offensive vision.
According to Jones, the offense showed:
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A clear structure
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Consistent week-to-week purpose
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A defined identity
The defense—and other complementary areas—failed to match that clarity.
That contrast further underscores why the spotlight is now firmly on the defensive staff. In today’s NFL, imbalance is costly, and Dallas paid the price repeatedly.
From Playoff Hopes to Postmortem Mode
With just one game remaining in the season and playoff hopes already extinguished, the Cowboys have effectively entered evaluation mode. This is no longer about if changes are coming—it’s about how quickly they happen.
For a franchise that measures success in championships rather than moral victories, missing the postseason two years in a row represents a breaking point.
Stephen Jones’ comments strongly suggest that:
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The front office has already identified defense as the primary failure
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Patience has worn thin
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Immediate action is expected after the season ends
A Defining Offseason for the Cowboys
The upcoming offseason may be one of the most consequential in recent Cowboys history.
Dallas must:
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Decide whether to fully reset the defensive coaching staff
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Identify a leader capable of restoring discipline and identity
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Rebuild trust with a frustrated fanbase
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Support an offense that has largely done its job
The margin for error is gone. Another season of defensive dysfunction would not only waste talent—it would deepen the perception that the Cowboys are stuck in organizational limbo.
Final Thoughts: Change Is No Longer Optional
Stephen Jones’ radio appearance wasn’t just another media hit—it was a mission statement.
The Cowboys are done searching for answers. They are done waiting for improvement. And they are done accepting a defense without purpose.
Whether Matt Eberflus survives the offseason or not, the message from the top is unmistakable: Dallas is preparing for real, meaningful defensive change.
For a franchise desperate to return to relevance and postseason contention, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The task ahead is daunting—but unavoidable.
The Cowboys’ future will be shaped not by what they say next, but by what they do next.
And based on Stephen Jones’ words, action is coming.
