Cowboys player’s telling message proves exactly why the decision to fire Matt Eberflus was the right one
There was no way the Dallas Cowboys could stick with Matt Eberflus in 2026.
Sure, the Dallas Cowboys could have given recently fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus a better group of players to work with.
There’s no question about it. However, the front office deciding to move on from him only one season into his tenure was the right choice. And one player’s comments show exactly why.
Cowboys DE throws shade at Eberflus
Before Eberflus’ firing, Cowboys DE Dante Fowler Jr. had a very telling comment about the defense that strongly suggests the defensive coaching staff didn’t do a great job considering player’s input.
“We got the guys, we just need to put them in the best position to make plays,” Fowler said via Nick Harris of Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “That’s it. 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.”
Even if the quote doesn’t show Fowler Jr. directly calling out Eberflus, it’s pretty clear what the implication of the message is, and it sure sounds like the players didn’t feel like their opinion was valued. And the assumption fits very well with the theme of the Cowboys’ defensive woes.
Eberflus failed to tweak his scheme all year long despite having underwhelming results since September. With no pass rush production, blitzes rarely came. And though the Cowboys consistently struggled to play zone coverage and with a lot of cushion in the secondary, the unit kept doing it.
Eberflus wouldn’t do anything differently
Ironically, prior to the season finale, Eberflus was asked what he would do differently with the benefit of hindsight. His answer? Not much.
“I don’t really think about it that way,” Eberflus told reporters. “I think about being in the moment and just keep adjusting, learning, growing, and getting better. I don’t think I’d do anything differently.”
Fowler Jr. isn’t the first to suggest Eberflus turned down player’s opinions. Former Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs revealed he talked to Eberflus about playing more man concepts, which he clearly refused to do. And while not because a player suggests something to a coach means it should automatically happen, the best coaches are known for taking player’s opinions into consideration in many scenarios.
Eberflus didn’t do that. And while he wasn’t dealt the best hand in terms of roster talent, he could have played it better. Instead, the Cowboys are searching for a new defensive coordinator.
Dallas Cowboys News
Cowboys fire Matt Eberflus: 9 defensive coordinator candidates to replace him in 2026, including big-name targets and a top rival
The Dallas Cowboys will hire their fourth defensive coordinator in as many years.
