The Dallas Cowboys are promoting Brian Schottenheimer to head coach, making his first defensive hire — potentially defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus — all the more important.

The Dallas Cowboys put themselves behind the eight ball for its procrastination of former head coach Mike McCarthy’s contract extension, destining themselves to subpar hiring process.

The fruits of that labor landed on offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer being promoted to head coach. He doesn’t have to be defined by the poor process that preceded his hire, but it will shape the perception of his first impression on the job.

Already late to the staff-building part of the process, Schottenheimer turned heads by potentially hiring Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator, according to Ed Werder.

Eberflus’ time in Chicago ended after a clock management gaffe wasted an opportunity to beat the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, the last of a series of inexcusable breakdowns that spoiled a once-promising Bears season. However, Eberflus won’t be responsible for managing the clock or disciplining players.

He’s in Dallas – assuming one revealed problem is cleared up – to make defensive play calls and turn a handful of dynamic talents into a cohesive unit. On that front, there’s reason to believe Eberflus will find success in Dallas.

Before Chicago, he was the defensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts from 2018–2021. There, his defenses ranked ninth, 17th, ninth, and 13th, respectively, in expected points added per play. Notably, this came without a cast of stars – particularly on the edge.

Eberflus didn’t blitz his way out of trouble, like former coordinator Dan Quinn might have. He largely relied on stunts, sending four and dropping into zone coverage. That trend largely carried over to Chicago, where his bend-don’t-break defense played more Cover 3 than much of the league, largely thanks to Eberflus’ Tampa 2 identity.

That makes a decent amount of sense for a team with an athletic back seven and two starting corners known for their ability to create turnovers (DaRon Bland, especially, in zone).

Eberflus has also spent time in Dallas, coaching the linebackers from 2011–2017 and adding passing game coordinator to his resume for his final two seasons. He left America’s Team for Indianapolis as to not push Rod Marinelli out of the defensive coordinator spot.

The Cowboys need to clear up the issue of the Rooney Rule before making this move official; some argue that their recent interview with Robert Saleh doubles as both a visit for the head coaching job and the coordinator job.

Also worth noting: during coaches time as an assistant in Dallas, he at one point had a chance to interview with the 49ers… I’ll move that was blocked by Dallas, much to his unhappiness.

Before the Cowboys, Eberflus coached with the Cleveland Browns, Missouri, and Toledo, building a coaching career that shouldn’t be overlooked because of a poor stint in Chicago.

It isn’t immediately clear how much of Eberflus’ defensive staff will join him in Dallas, but having a coordinator who has been through the wringer as a head coach is helpful for Schottenheimer as he descends upon uncharted territory.