Even though the Dallas Cowboys haven't brought in anybody for an interview yet, there is a lot to like about their search for a new defensive coordinator.
During Wednesday’s end-of-season press conference at The Star, Jerry Jones revealed a willingness to hire a first-time defensive coordinator. That openness would mark a noticeable shift from the Cowboys' usual approach to the hiring process.
Brian Schottenheimer, whom Jones said will have a significant voice in the decision, was later asked what he’s looking for in a defensive coordinator. His response underscored the very worst of Matt Eberflus' one-year stint in charge of the defense (h/t to Cowboys team reporter Nicole Hutchison).
"The best coaches are flexible, not going to penguin hole our conversations," Schottenheimer said. "Good coaches take their players that they have, and they fit their players into the model that fits what they do well. You’re looking for a teacher, ability to instruct, and get guys to buy in."
Brian Schottenheimer didn't throw ex-Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus under the bus, but he didn't have to
Schottenheimer never admitted it publicly, but his actions late in the season pointed to mounting frustration with Matt Eberflus. He spent extra time in defensive meetings, which pulled focus away from the offense. That’s an unsustainable dynamic for even the NFL’s most experienced head coaches, let alone a first-year coach who is responsible for calling plays.
Eberflus’ move from the sideline to the coaching booth for the final few games was another sign that Schottenheimer felt a change was necessary. It was never going to fix anything, but it did create a physical distance between the two coaches while the defense continued to get picked apart.
READ MORE: Cowboys just made their decision on Javonte Williams crystal clear for 2026
Ultimately, Schottenheimer’s quote underscored Eberflus’ biggest flaw as a coach: an unwillingness to adapt his scheme to fit his personnel. That inflexibility showed up repeatedly throughout the season. Having a press-man corner like Shavon Revel Jr. to play off-coverage was just one of many examples.
It is almost word-for-word what veteran pass rusher Dante Fowler told Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about the defense.
"I don’t care how good you think your scheme is, you just got to evolve around your players, take your players’ opinions on some things, and try to put your players in the best position to make plays," Fowler said.
Beyond the X's and O's, Eberflus never came off as a strong teacher or a leader of men. Dan Quinn and even Mike Zimmer had players defend them amid scrutiny. It is normally transparent when players want to fight for a coach. That feeling never materialized with Eberflus.
What played out on the field was a direct reflection of what was happening behind the scenes. Between an unwillingness to rotate struggling players, a continued reliance on a broken scheme, and a failure to connect on an emotional level, it became clear why all levels of the team were ready to move on.