With Matt Eberflus Fired, Who is Favored to be Dallas’s New Defensive Coordinator in 2026? Who is the Top Candidate to Replace Matt Eberflus?
Full Story on Eberflus Being Fired by Dallas
The Cowboys have now missed the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since 2019-2020. In fact, Dallas took part in its first game that ended in a tie since 1969. That occasion took place on September 28, where the team settled a 40-40 split with the Packers at home in overtime. Based on the football squad’s inconsistencies, the Cowboys made at least one major coaching change this offseason. While Dallas kept head coach Brian Schottenheimer, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was not asked to return for the 2026 season. The Arlington-based organization will now look for its sixth top defense caller dating back to 2019.
At the time of the coaching change, the 7-9-1 Cowboys ended the regular campaign losing four of their last five games. Dallas also accomplished losing records in back-to-back years for the first time since 2000-2002. Perhaps their biggest win of this year came on November 23, where the team defeated playoff contender Philadelphia Eagles 24-21. In nine games played in 2025, the defense gave up 30 points or more per contest.
Matt Eberflus’s Career with the Dallas Cowboys
Eberflus became the defensive coordinator in 2025 after the retirement of Mike Zimmer. The former was unable to guide the Cowboys to a postseason appearance under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. The team wants to win a playoff game for the first time since beating Tampa Bay in the 2022 wild card round. In addition, the football squad is looking for its first NFC Championship Game berth since the 1995 Super Bowl run. Throughout the top defense caller’s time in Arlington, the team compiled a 7-9-1 record and 4-2 against NFC East Division foes.
Before joining Dallas, Eberflus was previously the head coach for the Chicago Bears from 2022 until 2024. His best season with the Bears came in 2023, when the Windy City organization finished with a 7-10 record. Eberflus was also the top defense caller for the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 until 2021. He took the Colts to two postseason appearances, including the wild card win vs. Houston in 2018. Eberflus also spent time coaching linebackers for the Cowboys (2011-2017) and Cleveland Browns (2009-2010). Before joining the NFL, reserved as the defensive coordinator for Missouri from 2001 until 2008.
What’s Next for the Dallas Cowboys?
Many Cowboys football fans might wonder: Who is the leading candidate to replace Matt Eberflus in 2026? The top coaches in consideration listed in this article have prior coaching experience. In addition, those candidates have been on the coaching staff for at least five years. Please refer to the information below for the list of top candidates to replace Eberflus as Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator!
Possible Candidates to Replace Matt Eberflus as Dallas DC
Internal Candidates
Dave Borgonzi-Dallas
- Syracuse Graduate Assistant (2006-2007)
- Harvard DB Coach (2008-2010)
- Cowboys Defense Assistant (2011-2012)
- Cowboys Offense Assistant (2013)
- Buccaneers Defense Qualities Coach (2014-2017)
- Colts LB Coach (2018-2021)
- Bears LB Coach (2022-2024)
- Cowboys LB Coach (2025-Present)
- Led Indianapolis to Two Playoff Berths in 2018 and 2020
Top Defensive Coordinator Candidates for Dallas Cowboys to Consider
Jonathan Gannon-Arizona
- Falcons Defense Qualities Coach (2007)
- St. Louis Rams Scout (2009-2011)
- Titans Defense Qualities Coach (2012-2013)
- Vikings Assistant DB Coach (2014-2017)
- Colts DB Coach (2018-2020)
- Eagles DC (2021-2022)
- Cardinals HC (2023-2025)
- Led Philadelphia to Super Bowl in Early 2023
- Also Guided Minnesota to NFC Championship Game in Early 2018
Aden Durde-Seattle
- Cowboys Coaching Intern (2014-2015)
- Falcons NFL Diversity Coach Fellowship (2016)
- Atlanta Defense Qualities Coach (2018-2019)
- Falcons OLB Coach (2020)
- Cowboys DL Coach (2021-2023)
- Seahawks DC (2024-Present)
- Took Seattle to #1 Seed in the NFC Conference in 2025
Jim Leonhard-Denver
- Wisconsin DC & DB Coach (2017-2022)
- Wisconsin Interim HC (2022)
- Illinois Senior Analyst (2023)
- Broncos DB Coach (2024)
- Broncos Associate HC (2025-Present)
- Led Denver to #1 Seed in the AFC Conference in 2025
Brian Flores-Minnesota
- Patriots Offense Assistant (2011)
- New England Safeties Coach (2012-2015)
- Patriots LB Coach (2016-2018)
- Dolphins HC (2019-2021)
- Steelers LB Coach (2022)
- Vikings DC (2023-Present)
- Guided Minnesota to Playoff Berth in 2024
- Also Helped Miami to 10-Win Season in 2020
- Won Super Bowl with New England in 2014, 2016 & 2018
Leading Candidate to Replace Matt Eberflus as Dallas DC in 2026
Raheem Morris-Atlanta
- Buccaneers Defense Assistant (2002-2005)
- Kansas State DC (2006)
- Buccaneers DB Coach (2007-2008)
- Buccaneers HC (2009-2011)
- Washington NFL DB Coach (2012-2014)
- Falcons Associate HC (2015-2019)
- Falcons Interim HC & DC (2020)
- Rams DC (2021-2023)
- Falcons HC (2024-2025)
- 2-Time Super Bowl Champion with Bucs (2002) and Rams (2021)
- Also Took Atlanta to Super Bowl in Early 2017
Other Coaching Carousel Updates in the NFL:
Kliff Kingsbury (Commanders OC)
Jonathan Gannon (Cardinals HC)
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