Why did the Cowboys fire Matt Eberflus? Jerry Jones calls it the first step toward higher expectations

The Dallas Cowboys did not wait long to draw a line under a season that spiraled out of control. One year after reshaping the defensive staff with optimism, the franchise hit reset again, signaling impatience with results that fell far below expectations.

The decision carried weight, not just because of the numbers, but because of what they revealed about a team drifting from its identity.The Dallas Cowboys finished the year with a defense that could not stop momentum or opponents. Losses piled up, frustration grew louder, and the pressure on leadership became unavoidable. By early January, the verdict was clear. Change was no longer a discussion point. It was a necessity.

Jerry Jones explains why Dallas pulled the plug on Matt Eberflus

Matt Eberflus’ exit came after a historically poor defensive showing. The Cowboys allowed 511 points across the season, ranked last in scoring defense, and sat near the bottom in total yards and turnovers. Even late roster moves failed to stop the slide. A 34–17 loss to the New York Giants became the breaking point, exposing issues that had lingered all year.

Jerry Jones addressed the move with honesty and restraint, balancing respect with accountability.

"Having known Matt Eberflus for decades now," Jones said. "We have tremendous respect and appreciation for him as a coach and a person."After reviewing and discussing the results of our defensive performance this season, though, it was clear that change is needed. This is the first step in that process, and we will continue that review as it applies to reaching our much higher expectations."Eberflus faced challenges from the start, including the preseason trade of Micah Parsons, which stripped the defense of its most disruptive force.

Still, the collapse ran deeper than personnel. Coverage breakdowns, poor red-zone execution, and a lack of takeaways became weekly themes.Now, Dallas turns its attention forward. With Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb under contract for only two more seasons, urgency defines every decision. Names like Brian Flores have surfaced as potential solutions, but whoever steps in will inherit a simple mandate. Fix the defense fast, or the window closes just as quickly as it opened.Also Read: “I'll talk to my wife and…”: Aaron Rodgers’ wife Brittani plays a growing role in his uncertain Steelers future