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Cowboys Share Update Ahead of Coaching Decision
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- Cowboys Share Update Ahead of Coaching Decision
The Dallas Cowboys parted ways with now former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on Jan. 6, just two days after their final game of the season. The Cowboys lost to the New York Giants in their season finale, 34-17, marking their fourth defeat in the final five games of the campaign. For the Giants, their Week 18 win over Dallas was just their fourth victory of the season.
Defense was a major concern for the Cowboys all season long. It was Eberflus who ultimately took the fall after Dallas finished dead last in the NFL in passing yards allowed (4,276) and 31st in passing TDs allowed (35). The Cowboys' defense ranked 23rd in rushing yards allowed (2,133) and tied for last in rushing TDs allowed (24). Dallas missed the playoffs for a second straight year.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on the sideline.Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Team owner Jerry Jones recently admitted that the decision to fire Eberflus was one of the hardest ones he's had to face in his nearly 37 years with the Cowboys. Nevertheless, it had to be done, and Jones and Co. have since moved on.
On Thursday, Cowboys COO and co-owner Stephen Jones shared an update on their search for their next DC. According to Jones, the team is keeping its options open.
"I think we're in the initial run," Jones said, via the team's official website . "We're going to cast a wide net, whether it's half a dozen, ten, 12 coaches when it's all said and done. I don't know what that number will be, but then we'll narrow it down. We're already starting to narrow it down and we'll start to bring guys in for in-person interviews, some of the guys that we felt were the guys that would fit."
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The Cowboys have already interviewed multiple candidates for the DC opening. Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda, Denver Broncos pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard and Minnesota Vikings pass game coordinator Daronte Jones have all been interviewed. Dallas is also looking at defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton as a potential internal hire .
While the Cowboys have acted swiftly in the aftermath of Eberflus' departure, Jones made it clear that they intend to take their time before making this big decision.
"We hadn't necessarily set a deadline, if you will," Jones said. "I think it's more about getting it right. Once we feel comfortable that we have the right guy, then we'll pull the trigger and we'll move from there."
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Related: Cowboys Get Bad News After DC Move
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
