Cowboys hire ex-Bears HC Matt Eberflus as new defensive coordinator

He lasted two and a half seasons before he was fired following an ugly finish in a close Thanksgiving Day loss to the Lions that was so dysfunctional, he was relieved of his duties the next day. Eberflus’ dismissal dropped the curtain on a tenure that offered some glimpses of potential, especially on the defensive side, but ultimately was too disorganized to justify continuing.

Eberflus heads south to the Cowboys to take over for Mike Zimmer, who left the Cowboys after Dallas passed over him in their head coaching search, choosing offensive assistant Brian Schottenheimer over the veteran coach who oversaw the Vikings for eight seasons. Eberflus will arrive to a team headlined by All-Pro rusher Micah Parsons, with the likes of Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland and DeMarvion Overshown also existing as either proven or ascending talents.

The 2024 season proved to be a nightmarish one for the Cowboys, who lost a number of key contributors on both sides of the ball. They finished 28th in total yards allowed and 24th in points allowed per game, but when considering the personnel losses they sustained, those numbers can’t be viewed in a vacuum.

With an offseason to get healthy and for Eberflus to implement his system, the Cowboys are hoping for a bounce-back campaign in 2025. After watching his 2024 season end in his dismissal from the Bears, Eberflus would be happy to enjoy the same redemption.