Dallas Cowboys Drag Feet on Matt Eberflus Decision, Risk Missing Top Defensive Coordinator Candidates

The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads defensively, yet the organization appears to be moving at a glacial pace. Reports indicate that the team will take 10 to 12 days to decide on the future of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, despite a season widely regarded as one of the worst in franchise defensive history.

While patience can sometimes pay off in football decisions, the Cowboys’ methodical approach here could backfire. In a post-Black Monday landscape where several defensive coaching positions have suddenly opened, Dallas risks losing access to elite candidates at a time when the league’s coaching carousel is at its busiest.

Matt Eberflus and the Defensive Debacle

Eberflus, hired in 2021, has overseen a Cowboys defense that has struggled to maintain consistency. In 2025, Dallas allowed career-high points and yardage totals, ranking near the bottom of the league in multiple defensive categories, including:

• Points allowed per game: 28.1 (26th in NFL)

• Yards allowed per game: 372.5 (28th in NFL)

• Takeaways: 19 (27th in NFL)

Such performance has led to frustration among the fanbase and heightened scrutiny from the front office. Eberflus’ tenure has been marked by inconsistency against both the run and pass, poor third-down defense, and a lack of adaptability to modern NFL offensive schemes.

Despite this, Dallas seems unwilling to act immediately. The plan to take over a week to evaluate Eberflus leaves the team vulnerable, as other franchises have already begun courting top defensive coaching talent.

Jim Schwartz: The Top Candidate

Among the most highly touted options is Jim Schwartz, the defensive play-caller for the Cleveland Browns. Schwartz’s name has circulated for months, but the Cowboys’ slow pace may complicate negotiations.

Schwartz has a storied coaching resume, highlighted by:

• Defensive Coordinator for the Tennessee Titans and Buffalo Bills

• Head Coach of the Detroit Lions (2009–2013)

• Browns DC since 2021, where he helped stabilize one of the league’s up-and-down defenses

The firing of Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has thrown Schwartz into the rumor mill for multiple head-coaching vacancies, making him one of the most attractive defensive minds available. Dallas, seeking to revamp a porous defense, naturally sees Schwartz as an ideal candidate.

Cleveland’s Leverage and Schwartz’s Availability

The Browns, however, hold significant leverage in retaining Schwartz. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam recently emphasized that the team “absolutely” wants Schwartz to remain in Cleveland. While the NFL’s rules allow certain flexibility for lateral moves, Schwartz’s support within the organization strengthens Cleveland’s negotiating position.

“We think a lot of Jim Schwartz,” Haslam said, stopping short of guaranteeing he would remain in Cleveland for the long term.

Moreover, Schwartz has earned strong backing from his players. Browns star cornerback Denzel Ward praised Schwartz publicly on Monday:

“Me, personally, I have so much love and respect for coach Schwartz. He’s helped my game tremendously. Puts us in great position to succeed, great leader. I can’t say enough great things about him.”

This endorsement demonstrates Schwartz’s value not only as a strategist but as a locker-room leader, a critical factor the Cowboys would need to consider if they hope to lure him away.

NFL Rules and Loopholes

The NFL has strict rules governing coaching movement, especially regarding lateral moves. While a current team can block interviews for a lateral position, they cannot block a coach from pursuing a promotion.

In the Cowboys’ case, a creative approach could make a move feasible. Offering Schwartz a **dual title—assistant head coach plus defensive coordinator—**would technically constitute a promotion and thus be permissible under league rules.

Even so, there are practical hurdles. Schwartz has not been a head coach in 13 years, leaving Detroit in 2013, which may affect his interest in a lateral or hybrid role. His willingness to relocate to Dallas, leave Cleveland’s defensive roster intact, or assume a new organizational culture remains unclear.

Additionally, any agreement would require buy-in from Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who would need to endorse the hierarchical structure and delegate defensive authority appropriately.

The Cost of Inaction

Dallas’ slow approach could have long-term ramifications. By waiting over a week to make a decision on Eberflus, they risk:

1. Top-tier candidates signing elsewhere – Defensive coordinators like Schwartz, and others who emerged in the Black Monday shuffle, may be snapped up by competing teams eager to rebuild.

2. Locker-room perception issues – Players, especially defensive stars, could interpret the delay as indecision, undermining confidence in management.

3. Rebuilding delays – The defense cannot reset until a coordinator with vision and authority is in place. Every day of inaction pushes Dallas further from meaningful offseason planning.

Historically, the Cowboys have faced similar challenges. Delayed decisions on coaching staff have in past seasons contributed to slow offseason progress, especially in drafting defensive players or making trades that align with a new system.

Strategic Considerations for Dallas

Given the circumstances, the Cowboys’ front office faces several strategic considerations:

• Evaluate Eberflus quickly: Even if retaining him is the plan, a definitive decision allows the team to explore the market without hesitation.

• Target top-tier DC candidates: Schwartz may not be the only viable option. Other defensive minds freed up by Black Monday should be considered to ensure depth in case negotiations falter.

• Consider hybrid roles: Utilizing NFL promotion rules, Dallas can creatively structure offers to make lateral candidates viable without violating league rules.

• Communicate decisively: The front office must manage locker-room perception and maintain confidence among defensive players.

Failure to act quickly could mean missing the window to land a transformative defensive coordinator, leaving the team to settle for a less impactful option.

The Bigger Picture

The Cowboys’ defensive struggles in 2025 were widely documented. They allowed over 370 yards per game, finished near the bottom in takeaways, and struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, these numbers are unacceptable.

Leadership at the defensive coordinator position is critical, not only for scheme but also for player development. The Cowboys have several young defensive talents—some high draft picks—whose growth hinges on strong coaching. Delaying a decision threatens both short-term competitiveness and long-term development.

Conclusion: Time Is of the Essence

The Dallas Cowboys are in a precarious position. With Matt Eberflus’ future still uncertain and the NFL coaching carousel in full swing, every day counts. Jim Schwartz represents one of the league’s most attractive options, but Cleveland’s leverage and Dallas’ delay could make landing him impossible.

The next week or two will be critical. The Cowboys must decide whether to retain Eberflus, pursue Schwartz or other candidates aggressively, and clarify the defensive direction before the offseason window closes.

If they fail to act decisively, history suggests the consequences could extend well beyond one season, leaving Dallas to rebuild defensively under less optimal circumstances.

Time is ticking, and the Cowboys’ choice may define their defensive fortunes for years to come.