Matt Eberflus has returned to the Dallas Cowboys as their defensive coordinator, bringing a clear and simple philosophy: “Get the ball.” Addressing the media, Eberflus emphasized his commitment to building an aggressive, turnover-driven defense that will stop the run and make exciting plays.
His approach aligns with his track record of orchestrating opportunistic defenses that prioritize takeaways. Eberflus’ history with the Cowboys as a linebackers coach from 2011-2017 and his experience as a defensive coordinator in Indianapolis and head coach in Chicago make him a fitting choice for the role.
Eberflus Brings Turnover-Focused Defense and Familiar Leadership Back to the Cowboys
Eberflus’ defensive units have consistently excelled at forcing turnovers and limiting damage, following a “bend but don’t break” philosophy. Throughout his tenure as a defensive coordinator and head coach, his teams have ranked in the top 10 in takeaways in all but one season since 2018.
Even last season, despite his midseason departure, the Bears ranked 10th in takeaways with 24, slightly ahead of the Cowboys’ 22. Eberflus’ ability to generate turnovers will be key in improving an already competitive Dallas defense and helping them regain dominance.
Matt Eberflus (NFL)After a turbulent stint as the Chicago Bears’ head coach, which ended after a 4-8 start in 2023, Eberflus finds himself back in familiar territory with the Cowboys. His previous experience with the franchise and close ties to the Jones family made his hiring unsurprising.
Excited to be back, he is eager to focus solely on defensive strategy rather than the broader responsibilities of a head coach. Eberflus expressed enthusiasm about working with the Cowboys’ fan base, coaching staff, and players, including new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who is embarking on his first season in the role.
Maximizing Parsons’ Impact and Unlocking Mazi Smith’s Potential in Dallas Defense
A key focus for Eberflus will be building the defense around star pass rusher Micah Parsons. As Parsons enters his fourth season and adapts to his third defensive coordinator, Eberflus aims to maximize his skill set. Calling Parsons a “premier pass rusher,” Eberflus plans to utilize his athleticism and versatility to create havoc for opposing offenses. He is confident that, with the right approach, Parsons can be positioned in ways that enhance his impact as a dominant force in the NFL.
While Parsons is already a proven star, Eberflus is also tasked with developing former first-round defensive tackle Mazi Smith, who struggled in his rookie season. Despite Smith’s underwhelming performance, Eberflus remains optimistic, citing his explosiveness and potential. He believes his defensive system can elevate Smith’s game and help him reach new levels of success. As Eberflus embarks on this new chapter in Dallas, he remains committed to his signature defensive philosophy: creating turnovers, stopping the run, and, above all, getting the ball.
