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Cowboys Risk Repeating Costly Mistake as Jerry Jones Delays Inevitable Decision on Matt Eberflus<\/h2>\n
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 \u201c10 to 12 days\u201d<\/strong> to decide the future of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus<\/strong>, a delay that could once again cost the franchise an elite coaching opportunity.<\/p>\nWith 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\u2019s NFL, hesitation is often punished.<\/p>\n
Black Monday Creates Opportunity \u2014 If Dallas Acts<\/h3>\n
As expected, Black Monday<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\nAlready available are respected candidates such as Raheem Morris<\/strong>, the former Falcons head coach, and Jim Schwartz<\/strong>, Cleveland\u2019s defensive coordinator, who could become collateral damage following the Browns\u2019 decision to part ways with Kevin Stefanski.<\/p>\nNow, another intriguing name has entered the market \u2014 one who may fit Dallas even better.<\/p>\n
Jonathan Gannon Becomes Available<\/h3>\n
The Arizona Cardinals fired head coach Jonathan Gannon<\/strong> after a disastrous 3\u201314 season. While that record is ugly, it shouldn\u2019t overshadow Gannon\u2019s defensive r\u00e9sum\u00e9.<\/p>\nGannon was widely regarded as one of the NFL\u2019s top defensive coordinators just a few years ago. His defenses in Philadelphia were aggressive, disciplined, and modern \u2014 and in 2022, the Eagles fielded a top-five defense<\/strong> en route to a Super Bowl appearance.<\/p>\nHead coaching failures often obscure coordinator excellence, but league insiders understand the difference. Gannon\u2019s struggles in Arizona stemmed largely from roster limitations and organizational instability, not schematic incompetence.<\/p>\n
For Dallas, this is an opportunity hiding in plain sight.<\/p>\n
A Web of Connections to Dallas<\/h3>\n
![\"Cowboys](\"https:\/\/wp.clutchpoints.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Cowboys-DC-Matt-Eberflus-.jpg\")
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Gannon\u2019s potential fit goes beyond scheme and reputation. He has direct ties<\/strong> to the Cowboys\u2019 current staff, most notably offensive coordinator Klayton Adams<\/strong>.<\/p>\nBoth Gannon and Adams worked together with the Indianapolis Colts from 2019 to 2020<\/strong>, when Gannon served as the cornerbacks coach under then\u2013defensive 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.<\/p>\nThat familiarity matters. In a league where coaching staffs function best with shared language and trust, those connections reduce transition risk.<\/p>\n
Additionally, Gannon spent four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings<\/strong> as an assistant defensive backs coach under Mike Zimmer<\/strong> \u2014 another familiar name in Dallas. If Jerry Jones wanted a trusted evaluation, Zimmer could provide one immediately.<\/p>\nThere is no shortage of connective tissue between Jonathan Gannon and the Cowboys.<\/p>\n
Why Waiting Is So Dangerous<\/h3>\n
Despite these circumstances, Dallas appears content to wait.<\/p>\n
This should alarm Cowboys fans \u2014 because it\u2019s not the first time this exact approach has backfired.<\/p>\n
Last offseason, the Cowboys delayed their decision on Mike McCarthy<\/strong>, leaving him in limbo for over a week after the season ended. During that time, Dallas failed to interview Mike Vrabel<\/strong>, Ben Johnson<\/strong>, and Liam Coen<\/strong>, all of whom quickly became unavailable.<\/p>\nBy the time the Cowboys acted, the market had moved on.<\/p>\n
Now, history appears to be repeating itself.<\/p>\n
There Is Nothing to Evaluate With Eberflus<\/h3>\n
The most baffling part of the delay is the premise that Eberflus\u2019 future requires careful evaluation.<\/p>\n
What exactly is there left to assess?<\/p>\n
Under Eberflus, the Cowboys fielded the worst defense in franchise history<\/strong>. The unit regressed across the board \u2014 in fundamentals, communication, discipline, and effort. Not a single defensive position group improved over the course of the season.<\/p>\nMissed tackles increased. Coverage breakdowns multiplied. Pass rush productivity declined. Situational football collapsed.<\/p>\n
If Eberflus were being judged solely on results, the decision would have already been made.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Gannon Represents Exactly What Dallas Needs<\/h3>\n
Jonathan Gannon\u2019s defensive philosophy aligns with what Dallas desperately lacks: adaptability, disguise, and situational awareness.<\/p>\n
His defenses emphasize:<\/p>\n
\n- \n
Pre-snap confusion<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Flexible coverage shells<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Aggressive but calculated pressure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Defensive backs who are coached, not exposed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Those traits are precisely what Dallas\u2019 defense lacked in 2025.<\/p>\n
More importantly, Gannon has demonstrated the ability to maximize talent<\/strong>, something Eberflus failed to do entirely. In Philadelphia, he turned good players into elite ones and role players into contributors.<\/p>\nDallas doesn\u2019t need a rebuild on defense \u2014 it needs competent leadership.<\/p>\n
Dragging Their Feet Has Consequences<\/h3>\n
If the Cowboys miss out on Jonathan Gannon because they waited too long to \u201cevaluate\u201d a clearly failed coordinator, they will deserve the criticism that follows.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Every day Dallas waits is another day closer to losing a premium candidate.<\/p>\n
The Choice Is Simple<\/h3>\n
![\"Cowboys'](\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_52,w_5635,h_3169\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_1440:810,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/129\/01ke77tvf4kd7zmaf91a.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The Cowboys can either:<\/p>\n
\n- \n
Act decisively, move on from Eberflus, and secure a proven defensive mind like Jonathan Gannon
or<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Repeat the mistakes of the past, let opportunity pass them by, and settle for second-tier solutions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
At some point, accountability must extend beyond players and coaches \u2014 it must reach ownership.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It will belong to Jerry Jones.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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