Cowboys Risk Repeating Costly Mistake as Jerry Jones Delays Inevitable Decision on Matt Eberflus

What should be one of the easiest decisions Jerry Jones has made since purchasing the Dallas Cowboys is somehow turning into another drawn-out saga. Rather than acting swiftly, the Cowboys are reportedly prepared to take “10 to 12 days” to decide the future of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, a delay that could once again cost the franchise an elite coaching opportunity.

With player exit meetings scheduled for Monday and formal staff evaluations not beginning until Tuesday, Dallas is already falling behind the rest of the league. And in today’s NFL, hesitation is often punished.

Black Monday Creates Opportunity — If Dallas Acts

As expected, Black Monday unleashed chaos across the league. Several head coaches and coordinators were dismissed, instantly creating a pool of experienced, high-level defensive minds. For the Cowboys, this should be a gift.

Already available are respected candidates such as Raheem Morris, the former Falcons head coach, and Jim Schwartz, Cleveland’s defensive coordinator, who could become collateral damage following the Browns’ decision to part ways with Kevin Stefanski.

Now, another intriguing name has entered the market — one who may fit Dallas even better.

Jonathan Gannon Becomes Available

The Arizona Cardinals fired head coach Jonathan Gannon after a disastrous 3–14 season. While that record is ugly, it shouldn’t overshadow Gannon’s defensive résumé.

Gannon was widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top defensive coordinators just a few years ago. His defenses in Philadelphia were aggressive, disciplined, and modern — and in 2022, the Eagles fielded a top-five defense en route to a Super Bowl appearance.

Head coaching failures often obscure coordinator excellence, but league insiders understand the difference. Gannon’s struggles in Arizona stemmed largely from roster limitations and organizational instability, not schematic incompetence.

For Dallas, this is an opportunity hiding in plain sight.

A Web of Connections to Dallas

Gannon’s potential fit goes beyond scheme and reputation. He has direct ties to the Cowboys’ current staff, most notably offensive coordinator Klayton Adams.

Both Gannon and Adams worked together with the Indianapolis Colts from 2019 to 2020, when Gannon served as the cornerbacks coach under then–defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, and Adams was the assistant offensive line coach. Their professional relationship continued in Arizona, where Gannon brought Adams with him in 2023.

That familiarity matters. In a league where coaching staffs function best with shared language and trust, those connections reduce transition risk.

Additionally, Gannon spent four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings as an assistant defensive backs coach under Mike Zimmer — another familiar name in Dallas. If Jerry Jones wanted a trusted evaluation, Zimmer could provide one immediately.

There is no shortage of connective tissue between Jonathan Gannon and the Cowboys.

Why Waiting Is So Dangerous

Despite these circumstances, Dallas appears content to wait.

This should alarm Cowboys fans — because it’s not the first time this exact approach has backfired.

Last offseason, the Cowboys delayed their decision on Mike McCarthy, leaving him in limbo for over a week after the season ended. During that time, Dallas failed to interview Mike Vrabel, Ben Johnson, and Liam Coen, all of whom quickly became unavailable.

By the time the Cowboys acted, the market had moved on.

Now, history appears to be repeating itself.

There Is Nothing to Evaluate With Eberflus

The most baffling part of the delay is the premise that Eberflus’ future requires careful evaluation.

What exactly is there left to assess?

Under Eberflus, the Cowboys fielded the worst defense in franchise history. The unit regressed across the board — in fundamentals, communication, discipline, and effort. Not a single defensive position group improved over the course of the season.

Missed tackles increased. Coverage breakdowns multiplied. Pass rush productivity declined. Situational football collapsed.

If Eberflus were being judged solely on results, the decision would have already been made.

Unlike the McCarthy situation, which at least involved playoff appearances and offensive success, there is no ambiguity here. This was a failure by every measurable standard.

Gannon Represents Exactly What Dallas Needs

Jonathan Gannon’s defensive philosophy aligns with what Dallas desperately lacks: adaptability, disguise, and situational awareness.

His defenses emphasize:

• Pre-snap confusion

• Flexible coverage shells

• Aggressive but calculated pressure

• Defensive backs who are coached, not exposed

Those traits are precisely what Dallas’ defense lacked in 2025.

More importantly, Gannon has demonstrated the ability to maximize talent, something Eberflus failed to do entirely. In Philadelphia, he turned good players into elite ones and role players into contributors.

Dallas doesn’t need a rebuild on defense — it needs competent leadership.

Dragging Their Feet Has Consequences

If the Cowboys miss out on Jonathan Gannon because they waited too long to “evaluate” a clearly failed coordinator, they will deserve the criticism that follows.

The NFL does not pause for indecision. Qualified coaches will not sit idle waiting for Jerry Jones to make up his mind. Other teams are already moving, already interviewing, already offering clarity.

Every day Dallas waits is another day closer to losing a premium candidate.

The Choice Is Simple

The Cowboys can either:

1. Act decisively, move on from Eberflus, and secure a proven defensive mind like Jonathan Gannon
   or

2. Repeat the mistakes of the past, let opportunity pass them by, and settle for second-tier solutions

At some point, accountability must extend beyond players and coaches — it must reach ownership.

Because if Dallas once again watches a top defensive coordinator walk out the door due to hesitation, the failure will not belong to Matt Eberflus.

It will belong to Jerry Jones.