Dallas Cowboys hire Matt Eberflus as DC with Mike Zimmer likely to retire

Matt Eberflus has been named the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator, the team announced Tuesday. The move comes after Eberflus was considered a front-runner for the role following Brian Schottenheimer's hiring as head coach.

Eberflus previously served as head coach of the Chicago Bears for nearly three seasons before being fired on Nov. 29 amid a six-game losing streak.

He posted a 14-32 record in Chicago but gained recognition for his success as the defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2021.

During his first season in Indianapolis, the Colts improved from 30th in scoring and total defense to 10th and 11th, respectively.

Three of his four seasons with the Colts saw the defense rank in the top 10 in points allowed, and twice they finished top 10 in yards allowed.

Eberflus is no stranger to Dallas. He spent seven seasons as an assistant coach with the Cowboys under Jason Garrett, initially joining as a linebackers coach when Rob Ryan ran a 3-4 defensive scheme.

He remained on staff when the team transitioned to a 4-3 system under Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli. In 2016-17, he was the defensive passing game coordinator, helping Anthony Spencer and Sean Lee earn their first Pro Bowl selections.

Eberflus takes over a Cowboys defense that struggled under Mike Zimmer last season, ranking 28th in yards allowed (355.2) and 31st in points allowed per game (27.5). 

Zimmer is likely to retire from coaching altogether.

Injuries played a role in the unit's struggles, with DeMarcus Lawrence limited to four games due to a foot injury and Micah Parsons missing four games with a high ankle sprain. Cornerback Trevon Diggs and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown also landed on injured reserve with knee injuries.

Diggs recently underwent surgery, and Overshown suffered multiple ligament tears, raising concerns about their availability at the start of the 2025 season.

In addition to Eberflus, the Cowboys hired former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen as special teams coordinator, replacing John Fassel, who joined the Tennessee Titans after his contract expired. Sorensen previously worked with Schottenheimer in Seattle and Jacksonville.

Schottenheimer, who is focused on finalizing his coaching staff, will not travel to this week’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.