Dallas Cowboys fans can only hope that Matt Eberflus coached his last game as the team's defensive coordinator on Sunday. The Cowboys' defense surrendered 34 points against the lowly New York Giants, meaning they are now responsible for New York's two-highest point totals of the season.
Firing Eberflus is one thing, but it won't mean much if Jerry Jones doesn't hire the right replacement. While it won't be hard to find an upgrade, as Eberflus was one of the worst DCs in the league this year, it's important that Jones casts a wide net and steps outside of his comfort zone. Trusting Brian Schottenheimer will be a crucial part of the process.
Well, if the start of Black Monday is any indicator, the Cowboys won't have any shortage of candidates. The Cleveland Browns have fired head coach Kevin Stefanski, leaving the future of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz very much up in the air.
Cowboys should hire Browns DC Jim Schwartz to replace Matt Eberflus
It helps to have an alien like Myles Garrett rushing the quarterback, but the Browns' defense overachieved under Schwartz this season.
Despite being handicapped by one of the worst offenses in the NFL, Cleveland ranked fifth in EPA per play, fourth in success rate, fourth in EPA per pass, and eighth in EPA per rush, per Sumer Sports. Again, the Browns' personnel is miles better than the Cowboys', but Schwartz is one of the more respected defensive minds the league has to offer.
The Browns finished in the top five in yards allowed in two of Schwartz's three seasons as defensive coordinator. Dating back to his last season as the Eagles' DC in 2020, Schwartz's defenses have ranked top-15 in passing yards allowed in his last four years as a defensive play-caller.
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Known for scheming defensive linemen to attack the quarterback, the Bills led the league with 54 sacks under Schwartz's watchful eye in 2014.
What really separates Schwartz from Eberflus is his ability to develop players. Browns linebacker Devin Bush, a former first-round pick, was considered a bust before he got to Cleveland. He turned in a Pro Bowl-caliber season under Stefanski in 2025.
While Schwartz has never coached in Dallas, there should be plenty of familiarity from his five years with the Eagles. Assuming he becomes collateral damage of Stefanski being shown the door, the Cowboys would be wise to do their homework on the 59-year-old.