The Dallas Cowboys might just have the worst defense in the history of the game. The plays they’ve botched, the discipline they’ve failed to show, the poor play recognition, the constant misreads, the simplification needed just to keep everyone on the same page. It’s been nothing short of embarrassing and it’s what makes a statement like “worst defense in the history of the game” closer to reality than hyperbole.
While the defense’s place in the annals of history might be a matter of debate, what isn’t up for debate is the fact the defense broken. The brokenness is so complete and so widespread, no corner of the defensive operation is free from it. From the high-priced All-Pro cornerbacks to the newly matched defensive tackle duo inside, everything seems wrong on Matt Eberflus’ unit. Calls to replace the Dallas defensive coordinator have understandably been rampant in Dallas, with Week 6’s loss to the Carolina Panthers providing the crescendo moment.
Eberflus’ system never did feel like a good fit for the Cowboys. His bend-but-don’t-break scheme that relies on heavy doses of zone coverage and split safety alignments is the opposite of what players have been running in Dallas in recent seasons and massive mindset shift from past regimes. It’s safe to say concerns over fit have been validated six games in with the Cowboys ranking as the NFL’s worst defense in 2025.
To many, the solution feels like a no-brainer, replace Eberflus, but such a move is about as unlikely to help as it is to happen in the first place. Jerry Jones is not a general manager who fires coaches mid-campaign. As the owner and financier of the team, he’s not big into paying a coach NOT to coach, which is exactly what would happen if he moved off of Eberflus midseason. There’s also the question, “replace him with whom?” that must be answered.
During football season, good coaches are typically coaching football. Jones may be able to lure an old ball coach out of retirement but how in touch and committed can a coach like that be expected to be and how will this mystery coach be able to make a better connection with players than Eberflus is right now?
The Cowboys defense needs a reset and starting over at coordinator certainly seems like the simplest solution, but a deeper look shows there’s nothing simple about a midseason coaching change. Unless the Cowboys think an internal candidate like Aaron Whitecotton or someone similar is ready to take the helm, firing the DC in the middle of a season is essentially giving up on the season itself. Which, frankly, might not be a bad attitude to have at this point.
A midseason trade acquisition for a player isn’t going to spark a reset. A standard “come to Jesus” lecture or players only meeting isn’t going to force a reset either. This team needs a meeting of the minds, complete with player buy-in and a clear path forward. There has to be accountability and consequences because items like gap discipline require total commitment and right now, commitment is lacking in Dallas.
The Cowboys coaching staff and front office are getting lambasted by fans for their belief that things can still turn around. While that optimism admittedly comes off a little delusional, what options do they really have?
The Cowboys need a reset on defense and if that requires a change at DC, then so be it. But a move like that can only come when all other options have been exhausted because a midseason coaching change rarely improves situations.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Fussing about Flus: Cowboys defense needs reset but does that mean coaching change?
Reporting by Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
