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Jerry Jones Reveals 'One of the Hardest' Cowboys Decisions After Missing NFL Playoffs
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- Jerry Jones Reveals 'One of the Hardest' Cowboys Decisions After Missing NFL Playoffs
Jerry Jones made a lot of big decisions for the Dallas Cowboys this past season. The 83-year-old team owner, president and general manager faced considerable pressure prior to the trade deadline, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Jones addressed the issue by trading for four-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets . Dallas gave up Mazi Smith , a first-round draft pick and a second-round pick in exchange for Williams.
Williams made an immediate impact upon his arrival, significantly improving the Cowboys' defensive line. In the end, however, Dallas still came up short. They finished the season with a 7-9-1 record en route to missing the playoffs for the second straight year.
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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looks on before a game against the Green Bay Packers.© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Someone had to take the fall for the team's shortcomings, especially on defense. Matt Eberflus ultimately got the short end of the stick. The Cowboys fired Eberflus as the team's defensive coordinator on Jan. 6, just two days after their final game of the season.
Jones spoke candidly about the decision to part ways with Eberflus in Tuesday's episode of "Hard Knocks" on HBO. Jones admitted that it was one of the toughest situations he's faced in his nearly 37 years as Cowboys owner.
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"Our 2025 season was a roller coaster," Jones said on "Hard Knocks," via Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram . "We were inconsistent on defense. The Eberflus decision of not going forward with him was one of the hardest that I've been involved in during my time with the Dallas Cowboys . But at the end of the day, I think it was the thing to do."
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer also spoke on the Eberflus decision. Schottenheimer addressed the coaching staff shortly after Eberflus was fired.
"I just met with Flus early this morning," Schottenheimer said on "Hard Knocks." "Incredible human being. I love the man, but at the end of the day, the football wasn't right. I've been in this position, I've been Flus. I've been the guys in this room. I understand the questions. I understand the concerns, and I will answer all of those.
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"Right now the focus has to be, No. 1, the man. Reach out, tell him you love him, because he's a great man. No. 2, finishing this process. The exit interviews with the players are critical. We have to continue that process. We got players rolling in here in a little bit. If anyone has questions, come see me."
Eberflus was fired after just one season as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator. Jones and the rest of the front office have actively been searching for his successor .
Related: NFL Announces Final Decision on Cowboys Incident
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
