In the unpredictable world of the NFL, coaching careers often follow strange trajectories—rising and falling based on performance, opportunities, and, occasionally, pure chance. One of the more intriguing recent comebacks involves Matt Eberflus, who returns to the Dallas Cowboys as their defensive coordinator after a challenging tenure as head coach of the Chicago Bears. Known for his defensive acumen, Eberflus’ hiring in Dallas marks a new chapter in his career after a largely unsuccessful stint in Chicago. But how did we get here, and what can Cowboys fans expect from this reunion?
### The Rise of Matt Eberflus: Defensive Mindset
Before delving into his time with the Bears and his return to Dallas, it’s important to understand the foundation of Eberflus’ coaching career. Matt Eberflus made a name for himself as a defensive-minded coach with the Indianapolis Colts. As their defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021, Eberflus earned a reputation for building disciplined, fast, and physical defenses. His unit was particularly strong in creating turnovers, ranking consistently among the league’s best in takeaways during his tenure.
Eberflus’ scheme in Indianapolis was built around a “Hawk” defense—a system designed to be fast, aggressive, and opportunistic. His defensive backs were often tasked with playing physical, while his front seven focused on creating pressure and disrupting opposing offenses. Under his leadership, the Colts’ defense became a top-10 unit, showcasing the defensive prowess that Eberflus was known for.
### The Chicago Bears: A Rocky Head Coaching Experiment
When the Chicago Bears came calling in 2022, many viewed it as a great opportunity for Eberflus to continue his rise in the NFL. He was hired as the 17th head coach in the franchise’s history, bringing his defensive expertise to a team that had a historically strong defensive identity. However, things quickly soured during his tenure.
The Bears entered 2022 with significant roster holes, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Eberflus was tasked with overseeing a rebuilding project, and while he did work to install his defensive philosophy, the Bears’ offense remained stagnant, largely due to the struggles of second-year quarterback Justin Fields and a lack of playmaking talent surrounding him. The defense, despite Eberflus’ best efforts, wasn’t immune to inconsistency, ranking in the bottom half of the league during his two seasons as head coach.
More troubling, however, was the lack of progress on the offensive side of the ball. The Bears’ offense, under Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, struggled to find an identity. Fields showed flashes of brilliance, but without a solid offensive line or consistent playmakers at the skill positions, the Bears remained one of the least potent teams in the league on that side of the ball. After back-to-back losing seasons (including a 3-14 record in 2022), the Bears moved on from Eberflus, opting for a new direction.
While the defensive side of the ball showed some potential, the failure to elevate the entire team led to his departure. Some questioned whether Eberflus was truly cut out for the head coaching role, especially given the increasing pressure on head coaches to be well-rounded leaders who can impact all aspects of the team, not just one side of the ball.
### Returning to Dallas: A Fresh Start
Fast forward to 2025, and Eberflus is back in familiar territory—Dallas. The Cowboys, after parting ways with their previous defensive coordinator, saw an opportunity to tap into Eberflus’ proven defensive expertise. The decision was a homecoming of sorts for the coach, who had spent time with the Cowboys earlier in his career. Between 2001 and 2008, Eberflus was a part of the Cowboys’ coaching staff in various roles, including as a linebackers coach.
Given the Cowboys’ recent success under head coach Mike McCarthy, particularly their strong defensive performances led by former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, the decision to hire Eberflus signals a strategic shift. Quinn, while beloved in Dallas, had received multiple head coaching offers, and the Cowboys felt it necessary to have a plan in place should he depart. Eberflus’ return provides the Cowboys with a defensive-minded coach who can keep the momentum going, while also offering a fresh perspective and approach.
### What Eberflus Brings to the Cowboys
While Eberflus’ tenure in Chicago was marred by team-wide struggles, it’s important to remember that his defensive principles remain solid. He has a reputation for developing strong, physical defenses capable of executing well-disciplined schemes. The Cowboys already boast a top-tier defense under Dan Quinn, with stars like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Demarcus Lawrence leading the way. Eberflus’ addition is seen as an opportunity to maintain and enhance this defensive prowess.
One area where Eberflus could immediately have an impact is in his ability to develop linebackers. During his time in Indianapolis, his coaching of linebackers like Darius Leonard (now Shaquille Leonard) was lauded, and he was able to transform Leonard into one of the league’s top players at the position. The Cowboys have a similarly promising linebacker in Leighton Vander Esch, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency and injuries. Eberflus’ experience could help unlock Vander Esch’s potential, as well as provide valuable coaching to younger players like Jabril Cox or Damone Clark.
Additionally, Eberflus is known for his ability to develop a strong turnover-based defense. With the Cowboys’ existing talent in the secondary, including the ball-hawking Diggs, Eberflus’ aggressive defensive scheme could help generate even more takeaways. This could be a game-changer for a team that already has one of the best defenses in the league but could benefit from a greater turnover margin to make them even more dangerous.
### The Bigger Picture: Eberflus’ Growth as a Coach
Although his head coaching stint in Chicago was a failure by many standards, Eberflus likely learned valuable lessons during his time at the helm. One of the most significant takeaways could be understanding the delicate balance required to manage both sides of the ball. As a defensive-minded coach, it’s easy to become overly focused on that side of the game, but Eberflus’ time in Chicago forced him to reckon with the importance of a balanced roster—particularly when it comes to developing a functioning offense. In Dallas, he’ll be able to focus solely on what he does best: coaching defense.
While his head coaching experience may not have been the success he envisioned, it was not without its benefits. Returning to a more focused role in Dallas should allow Eberflus to refine his craft without the added pressure of overseeing an entire team. His time as a head coach in Chicago may have been a disaster, but it also could have been a necessary step in his evolution as a coach.
### Final Thoughts
Matt Eberflus’ return to the Cowboys as defensive coordinator is a fascinating development in the NFL coaching landscape. After a rocky tenure with the Chicago Bears, he has an opportunity to bounce back and demonstrate that his defensive philosophy still holds weight in the NFL. With a talented roster in Dallas, Eberflus could be the missing piece that ensures the Cowboys’ defense remains elite for years to come. While his time in Chicago may have been disappointing, it was far from the end of his coaching journey—it could very well be the catalyst that propels him back to prominence as one of the NFL’s top defensive minds.