The Dallas Cowboys officially signaled the beginning of a significant coaching overhaul this offseason by parting ways with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.

Eberflus’ dismissal marked the first major domino to fall for Dallas, setting the tone for what is expected to be a period of transition across multiple levels of the coaching staff.

While Eberflus is no longer part of the organization, his exit may not be the final coaching departure the Cowboys face as the NFL’s head coaching carousel continues to spin.

Around the league, teams are rapidly filling vacancies, and as new head coaches assemble their staffs, assistants from stable franchises often become attractive targets.

One such opportunity emerged when the Miami Dolphins made a franchise-altering decision of their own.

Miami hired former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their new head coach.

Hafley’s hiring immediately sparked league-wide attention, particularly given his reputation as a defensive-minded leader with collegiate and professional experience.

As Hafley begins constructing his coaching staff in Miami, he has reportedly turned his attention toward assistants currently on the Cowboys’ payroll.

According to Todd Archer of ESPN, the Dolphins have formally requested an interview with Cowboys assistant special teams coach Carlos Polk.

Polk has been a fixture in NFL coaching circles for over a decade, serving as an assistant special teams coach since 2010.

Before transitioning into coaching, Polk enjoyed a playing career as a linebacker with both the San Diego Chargers and the Cowboys.

His familiarity with multiple franchises and coaching systems has made him a respected voice in special teams preparation and player development.

For Miami, targeting Polk reflects an emphasis on building a staff with experienced, adaptable coaches capable of stabilizing overlooked phases of the game.

Special teams often represent a competitive edge for teams in transition, making Polk an intriguing candidate for a more prominent role.

While Polk’s interview request represents the most concrete link between Dallas and Miami, he may not be the only Cowboys assistant drawing interest.

Another name circulating in league speculation is Cowboys quarterbacks coach Steve Shimko.

Shimko shares a direct professional connection with Hafley, having served as his offensive coordinator during their time together at Boston College.

That prior working relationship has fueled speculation that Hafley could seek a reunion as he installs his offensive vision in Miami.

Shimko joined the Cowboys’ staff two seasons ago, bringing with him a reputation for quarterback development and offensive structure.

Prior to arriving in Dallas, he spent four seasons at Boston College, gaining familiarity with Hafley’s coaching philosophy and leadership style.

Such continuity can be appealing for a first-year NFL head coach seeking trusted voices during the early stages of a tenure.

While no formal interview request has been reported for Shimko, the connection alone makes his status worth monitoring closely.

For the Cowboys, the potential loss of key assistants would complicate an offseason already marked by organizational change.

New offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer faces the challenge of maintaining continuity while navigating possible staff turnover.

That responsibility becomes even more significant when factoring in the importance of quarterback stability within the organization.

Franchise quarterback Dak Prescott is coming off one of the most impressive seasons of his career.

After facing criticism and inconsistency in prior years, Prescott delivered a major bounce-back campaign in 2025.

He finished third in the NFL in passing yards, throwing for 4,552 yards across the regular season.

Prescott also ranked fourth in passing touchdowns with 30, showcasing improved efficiency and command of the offense.

Perhaps most notably, he finished fifth in QBR at 70.3, reflecting consistent high-level decision-making.

Prescott threw just 10 interceptions, a marked improvement that underscored better chemistry with his coaching staff and receivers.

That resurgence places increased importance on preserving the infrastructure that contributed to his success.

If Shimko were to depart for Miami, Schottenheimer would face a critical decision regarding quarterback coaching continuity.

Disrupting Prescott’s support system could risk undoing progress made during his career-best season.

The Cowboys’ front office must now balance the realities of staff turnover with the necessity of keeping their franchise quarterback comfortable.

This situation highlights the ripple effect of head coaching changes across the league.

When one franchise hires a new head coach, multiple organizations often feel the impact through assistant movement.

For Dallas, the offseason now represents more than a simple coordinator change.

It is an opportunity to reassess organizational philosophy, leadership structure, and long-term direction.

Defensive continuity will already be tested following Eberflus’ departure.

If additional assistants leave, the Cowboys could be forced into a more extensive rebuild of their coaching staff.

That process carries both risk and opportunity.

Fresh voices can inject new ideas and energy, but instability can also undermine player development.

The timing is particularly delicate given Dallas’ expectations entering the 2026 season.

With Prescott playing at an elite level and a talented core still intact, the Cowboys remain in a competitive window.

However, maximizing that window requires cohesion between coaching, scheme, and personnel.

Miami’s interest in Cowboys assistants reflects broader league respect for Dallas’ internal development.

It also serves as a reminder that successful teams often become talent pools for others.

For Polk, an interview with Miami could represent a step toward a more prominent coaching role.

For Shimko, a potential reunion with Hafley could offer increased influence within an offensive system.

For Dallas, each possible departure represents a strategic crossroads.

Schottenheimer and the front office must decide whether to prioritize continuity or embrace further change.

Those decisions will directly impact Prescott’s comfort level and the offense’s trajectory.

As the NFL offseason progresses, more clarity will emerge regarding Miami’s staff and Dallas’ response.

Until then, the Cowboys remain in a holding pattern, monitoring developments while preparing contingency plans.

What is certain is that this offseason will shape the Cowboys’ identity moving forward.

Coaching stability, or lack thereof, could prove just as influential as any roster move.

For a franchise measured by postseason success, every decision carries heightened scrutiny.

The coming weeks will determine whether Dallas can navigate change without sacrificing momentum.

As the league reshuffles its coaching ranks, the Cowboys’ ability to adapt may define their 2026 outlook.

And at the center of it all stands Dak Prescott, whose continued success depends as much on stability off the field as execution on it.