The Dallas Cowboys’ defense didn’t just stumble on national TV - it got steamrolled. And for a fanbase with championship expectations, watching J.J.
McCarthy carve up the unit for 34 points was more than just a bad night. It was a flashing red light on defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ job security.
When Jerry Jones brought Eberflus in this offseason to replace Mike Zimmer, the hope was that a fresh voice would stabilize a defense that had shown flashes but lacked consistency. Instead, the Cowboys have taken a step backward.
And while Jones hasn’t made any public declarations yet, the temperature around Eberflus’ seat is rising fast. Just a few weeks ago, it looked like he was a lock to return in 2026.
Now? Not so much.
If the Cowboys do decide to move on - and that’s starting to feel more like a “when” than an “if” - one name that could rise to the top of the list is Todd Bowles.
Why Todd Bowles Makes Sense for Dallas
Bowles is still the head coach in Tampa Bay, but the Bucs’ season has taken a nosedive. After a 6-2 start that had them looking like clear favorites in the NFC South, they’ve dropped five of their last six. Losses to the Saints and Falcons have put their postseason hopes in jeopardy and opened the door for a potential shakeup in Tampa.
Injuries have played a role, no doubt. But even with the adversity, Bowles has guided the Buccaneers to three straight division titles - a level of consistency the franchise hasn’t seen since the early 2000s. That said, the foundation for that success may have been laid by Bruce Arians, and the question now is whether Bowles can sustain it on his own.
If Tampa Bay does decide to move on, especially after a potential early playoff exit, Bowles would instantly become one of the most sought-after defensive minds on the market. And for a team like Dallas, which desperately needs a stabilizing presence on that side of the ball, he checks a lot of boxes.
Bowles vs. Eberflus: A Philosophical Shift
What separates Bowles from Eberflus isn’t just résumé - it’s philosophy.
Bowles is known for his adaptability. If a game plan isn’t working, he’ll pivot.
He’s not married to a single scheme or approach; he adjusts to the flow of the game and the strengths of his personnel. That’s a trait that’s become increasingly rare - and increasingly valuable - in today’s NFL.
Eberflus, on the other hand, has shown a frustrating tendency to stick to the script, even when it’s clearly not working. He’ll dial up pressure early, find success, then inexplicably go conservative and rush four for the rest of the game. It’s a pattern that’s become all too familiar to Cowboys fans - and one that’s costing them games.
Schematically, Eberflus has been rigid, often failing to put players in positions to succeed. That’s not just a game-day issue; it’s a systemic one. And it’s why the idea of bringing in someone like Bowles - a coach who tailors his defense to his players, not the other way around - is so appealing.
The Path to Bowles
Of course, a lot has to happen for this to become more than just an intriguing possibility. The Buccaneers would need to part ways with Bowles, and that’s no guarantee - even if their season ends on a sour note. But if they do, expect the Cowboys to be one of the first teams to make a call.
For Jerry Jones, it would be a bold move - and one that could pay off in a big way. Bowles brings experience, credibility, and a proven track record of building top-tier defenses. And after the debacle against Minnesota, that’s exactly what Dallas needs.
In a season where the Cowboys still have playoff hopes, but defensive questions loom large, keeping an eye on Bowles isn’t just wishful thinking - it’s smart planning. If the opportunity presents itself, this could be the kind of pivot that reshapes the Cowboys’ defense in 2026 and beyond.