Matt Eberflus: A Look at His Background
Matt Eberflus’s journey through the NFL coaching ranks has been marked by steady progression and a focus on developing elite defenses. Known for his disciplined, hard-nosed approach to coaching, Eberflus made a name for himself as the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts before becoming the head coach of the Chicago Bears in 2018. During his time with the Colts, Eberflus’s defenses consistently ranked among the league’s best in key categories like turnovers, tackles for loss, and defensive efficiency.
Before his tenure in Indianapolis, Eberflus spent time with the Dallas Cowboys as the linebackers coach from 2011 to 2017, working under head coaches Jason Garrett and later, Rod Marinelli. His success with the Cowboys was evident, as he helped develop some of the team’s standout players, including Sean Lee, who flourished under Eberflus’s tutelage.
Eberflus’s stint with the Bears was marked by a mixed bag of results. Although his defenses were often effective in certain areas, his tenure as head coach was ultimately cut short in 2025 after failing to lead the Bears to sustained success. Despite his head coaching struggles, his reputation as a defensive mastermind remains intact, and now, after his departure from Chicago, he is being considered for a return to the Cowboys in a key defensive role.
Why Matt Eberflus Could Be the Right Fit for Dallas
The Cowboys’ defense, led by coordinator Dan Quinn for the past few seasons, has been one of the most formidable units in the league. The addition of Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator could bring an entirely new layer of success to a defense that has already proven to be elite. Here are several reasons why Eberflus would be a strong fit for the job:
1. Familiarity with the Cowboys’ System
Eberflus has a deep understanding of the Cowboys’ defensive philosophy. Having worked as the linebackers coach in Dallas for several years, he’s familiar with the structure, the players, and the culture. This familiarity could make his transition back into the team seamless, as he would already have a rapport with some of the defensive players and an understanding of the team’s defensive schemes.
Under Eberflus’s previous tenure, the Cowboys’ linebackers were among the most disciplined and productive units in the league. His ability to develop young players into stars would be especially valuable for a defense that is rich with talent, such as young stars like Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch. He knows how to maximize the strengths of the players on his roster, a quality that would translate well in a defensive coordinator role.
2. Defensive Discipline and Turnover Focus
Eberflus is known for emphasizing disciplined football and turnovers. His “Takeaway Giveback” philosophy during his time with the Colts emphasized forcing turnovers and making sure his players played with relentless pursuit to the ball. In Dallas, where turnover differential is often a key factor in winning games, this philosophy could make a significant impact.
Under Eberflus, the Colts consistently ranked high in turnover margin, and he could bring that same emphasis to a Cowboys defense that already boasts playmakers like Parsons and Trevon Diggs. This focus on turnovers, combined with a disciplined defensive scheme, could help elevate the Cowboys to even greater heights.
3. Maximizing the Potential of Dallas’ Defensive Stars
The Cowboys’ defense is full of elite players with high potential, particularly in the front seven. Micah Parsons is one of the best defensive players in the NFL, and having a coach like Eberflus who can further develop Parsons’s already incredible skill set could be a game-changer for the Cowboys.
Eberflus has experience with developing top-tier defensive talent. During his time with the Colts, he helped elevate players like Darius Leonard, who went on to become one of the best linebackers in the league. If Eberflus can bring that same level of development to players like Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence, and others, the Cowboys’ defense could become even more dominant in 2025.
4. A Defensive Mindset That Aligns with the Cowboys’ Goals
The Cowboys have long been known for their offensive firepower, but the defense has become an increasingly important part of their identity. The addition of a defensive coordinator like Eberflus would signal a commitment to building a well-rounded team capable of winning both high-scoring games and defensive battles. His defensive system prioritizes aggression, discipline, and intelligence, qualities that align with the overall identity that head coach Mike McCarthy wants to establish in Dallas.
Additionally, Eberflus has a reputation for being a strong communicator, and his coaching style tends to instill a sense of responsibility and accountability in his players. In a high-pressure environment like Dallas, this is exactly the kind of leadership the defense needs.
What the Transition Could Look Like
If Eberflus is hired as the defensive coordinator, there would undoubtedly be some adjustments to the current system. Dan Quinn’s style of defense has been aggressive, with a strong emphasis on blitzing and creating chaos on the field. Eberflus, while aggressive, tends to emphasize disciplined, gap-controlled football, focusing on keeping players in their assignments while still playing fast and physical.
Eberflus’s defensive system is based on simplicity, ensuring that players don’t overthink their responsibilities but are able to execute efficiently. His focus on turnovers and limiting big plays could be a natural fit for the Cowboys, who already have a talented group of playmakers in their secondary and front seven. The challenge will be in meshing the principles that Quinn has established with the discipline that Eberflus brings, but given his experience with the Cowboys’ culture, it’s a transition that could happen smoothly.
The Impact on the 2025 Dallas Cowboys Defense
If Matt Eberflus becomes the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator in 2025, his influence would immediately be felt on the field. His focus on discipline, turnovers, and development would provide a foundation for the defense to build upon in the coming years. With Eberflus at the helm, the Cowboys would likely see:
- Increased Turnover Production: The Cowboys’ defense could see even more opportunities for interceptions, fumbles, and takeaways. This has been a key to Dallas’ success in recent years, and Eberflus’s expertise could push the unit to new heights.
- Improved Defensive Depth: Eberflus is known for developing not only the stars but also role players, ensuring that every member of the defense understands their role and can step up when needed. This depth will be crucial as the Cowboys prepare for a long playoff run.
- Sustained Success Against the Run: One area where Eberflus excels is in defending the run. His defenses are known for their ability to control the line of scrimmage and minimize explosive rushing plays. This could be particularly important for the Cowboys, who face powerful offensive lines in their division.
- Building Future Stars: Eberflus’s ability to identify talent and develop young players would bode well for the Cowboys as they continue to integrate new draft picks and young stars into the defensive rotation. This focus on growth could help sustain long-term success.
