Matt Eberflus Moves to the Booth as Cowboys’ Defense Faces Critical Crossroads
With the Dallas Cowboys teetering on the edge of playoff elimination, the focus has shifted from postseason hopes to long-term stability-particularly on the defensive side of the ball. And right now, all eyes are on defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who’s making a notable late-season adjustment in a bid to salvage his future with the team.
Eberflus announced this week that he’ll be moving upstairs to the booth to call plays for the final three games of the season-a significant change for a coach who hasn’t worked from that vantage point in 17 years, not since his days as a linebackers coach with the Cleveland Browns. The decision, made in collaboration with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, is a clear signal that the Cowboys are willing to try anything to stabilize a defense that’s been reeling for most of the year.
From a tactical standpoint, the move makes sense. A booth view offers a clearer, more comprehensive look at formations, motion, and coverage breakdowns-something Eberflus may need as he tries to recalibrate a unit that’s struggled mightily in 2025.
But make no mistake: this isn’t just about better sightlines. It’s about accountability and survival.
A Defense in Decline
The Cowboys' defense has been a consistent sore spot this season, and the numbers paint a troubling picture. Four different quarterbacks-Caleb Williams, Justin Fields, J.J.
McCarthy, and Russell Wilson-have posted their season-high passing yard totals against Dallas. That’s a list that includes rookies, backups, and veterans who’ve lost their starting jobs during the year.
And that’s before you factor in the 10 combined touchdown passes surrendered to Bryce Young, Bo Nix, and Jordan Love.
These aren’t isolated breakdowns-they’re part of a pattern. Soft zone coverages, a lack of consistent pressure, and questionable in-game adjustments have all contributed to the Cowboys’ defensive slide.
And while the roster has its flaws, the issues go beyond personnel. They speak to scheme, philosophy, and execution-areas that fall squarely under the coordinator’s responsibility.
Jerry Jones Is Watching Closely
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hasn’t been shy about expressing his frustration. After last week’s loss to the Vikings, his comments hinted at growing impatience and a willingness to make changes.
While he hasn’t made any definitive statements about Eberflus’ future, it’s clear that the final three games will serve as a kind of live audition. This booth move?
It's part of that evaluation process.
Jones has seen enough to know the defense needs a shake-up. And if the team is out of playoff contention by the time they face the Chargers on Sunday, these last few games won’t be about chasing wins-they’ll be about finding clarity on who should be leading the defense in 2026.
Can the Booth Make a Difference?
The hope is that a new perspective might help Eberflus rediscover the aggressive, disruptive identity that once made his defenses tough to play against. When this unit brings pressure, it can force mistakes. But too often, that aggressiveness has been absent, replaced by conservative calls that give opposing quarterbacks too much room to operate.
If Eberflus is going to make a case to stay, it has to start with a clear shift in approach. That means dialing up pressure, disguising looks, and putting his players in positions to succeed-not just for a quarter or a half, but for a full 60 minutes.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about scapegoating. It’s about results.
The Cowboys have a talented roster, and there’s a sense that the defense is underperforming relative to the pieces in place. Eberflus still has a chance-albeit a slim one-to prove he can turn things around.
But with the clock ticking and the spotlight firmly on him, it’s going to take more than a change of scenery to shift the narrative.
The booth may offer a better view, but what matters most is what Eberflus does with it.