Cowboys Shift Matt Eberflus to Coaching Booth in Week 16 - A Tactical Tweak or Too Little, Too Late?
In a season where the Dallas Cowboys have struggled to find consistency on the defensive side of the ball, Week 16 brings a notable change: defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will be calling plays from the coaching booth rather than the sideline when the Cowboys face the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium.
It’s a move that raises eyebrows, not just because of the timing, but because of what it signals about the state of Dallas' defense. The Cowboys enter this game at 6-7-1, officially out of the playoff picture, and with little left to play for in terms of postseason hopes. But that doesn’t mean the stakes are low - especially not for Eberflus.
A New Viewpoint - Literally
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed the change directly, explaining that the decision came out of a collaborative conversation with Eberflus. The idea: get him off the field and into the box, where the vantage point is clearer, and adjustments can be made more efficiently.
“We all understand that we need to play better on defense, that's not a secret,” Schottenheimer said. “As we look for options and ideas, it was something that Matt and I talked about. I've called plays for a long time in this league - there's no question you can see things better up in the box.”
That’s a fair point. From the booth, coordinators often have a broader view of formations, spacing, and tendencies that can get lost in the chaos of the sideline. The hope is that this shift allows Eberflus to diagnose and respond to opposing offenses more effectively - and fast.
Personnel Setbacks Don’t Help
The Cowboys won’t be at full strength against the Chargers. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who was already dealing with a concussion, is now also nursing a neck issue and has been ruled out.
That’s a major blow to a defensive front that’s already had trouble generating consistent pressure and stopping the run. Joining him on the inactive list are wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, cornerback Caelen Carson, running back Jaydon Blue, offensive tackle Tyler Guyton, and defensive tackle Jay Toia.
Williams’ absence, in particular, leaves a noticeable void in the middle of the defensive line - a unit that’s struggled to impose its will even when healthy. Without him, the pressure on Eberflus to scheme up something creative only increases.
Coaching for the Future
There’s no sugarcoating it - Eberflus is coaching for his job. Owner Jerry Jones made that clear, stating that the next three weeks will be critical in determining whether Eberflus returns in 2026.
But here’s the challenge: how much can truly change in three games after 14 weeks of defensive underachievement? The Cowboys’ defense has been among the league’s most disappointing units this season, and while Eberflus has a solid coaching résumé, the results just haven’t followed him to Dallas - at least not yet.
This move to the box might be a strategic adjustment, or it might be a last-ditch effort to salvage something from a season that’s slipped away. Either way, it’s not just about how the Cowboys finish - it’s about whether Eberflus can restore confidence in his leadership from both inside the building and among a fan base that’s grown increasingly skeptical.
The Bigger Picture
No one’s calling Eberflus a bad coach. He’s been successful in other stops, and he’s respected around the league.
But sometimes, the fit just isn’t right. And if the Cowboys decide to move on at season’s end, it won’t be out of spite - it’ll be a reflection of results.
Still, if the defense shows life in these final three games - if the communication tightens up, if the adjustments come quicker, if the unit starts playing with purpose again - Eberflus might give the front office something to think about. But the margin for error is razor thin, and the clock is ticking.
The move to the booth is a shift in perspective. Whether it leads to a shift in performance, and ultimately in perception, is the question Dallas will be watching closely down the stretch.