The Cowboys defense has been the subject of a roller-coaster ride here in 2025, going back to the early season when, after the stunning trade of Micah Parsons, the team was facing a real talent void and appeared unable to stop anybody. They got some players back from injury, though, and, of course, then made another surprise blockbuster, adding Jets All-Pro defensive lineman Quinnen Williams.
Since then, there were three games of improvement, followed by the last two games–both losses–in which Dallas reverted to its earlier form, allowing 44 points to the Lions and 34 points to the Vikings. The losses in those games cost the Cowboys their late-year push into the postseason, which does not look like it will materialize, after all.
In the meantime, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who was Public Enemy No. 1 back in October when the Cowboys defense was so sieve-like, is back as the team’s lead discussion topic. Eberflus is in his first year as defensive coordinator, but team owner Jerry Jones has indicated this could be his last.
Cowboys Getting Jim Schwartz: ‘Home Run’
Cowboys fans would welcome that news, even though it means that the team would be looking for its fourth coordinator in as many years after dumping Mike Zimmer last year and losing Dan Quinn to the Commanders the previous year. But that might not be the worst thing, because one of the most-respected coordinators in the game could soon be on the market, and Dallas might well be an ideal fit for him: current Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
The 3-11 Browns are awful, and Schwartz had a mostly awful stint as the head coach of the Lions (29-51), but he can coach defense. The Browns are currently the No. 2 rated defense at Pro Football Focus, and were eighth last year. They were No. 6 in 2023.
With the Browns’ coaching staff possibly on the firing line if there is a second straight 3-14 finish, Schwartz could be available. As the Blogging the Boys analysis site writes, “Stealing Schwartz away from the Browns would be as close to a home run as the Cowboys could get.”
GettyDallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
Matt Eberflus on the Hot Seat
And Blogging the Boys, in looking at whom the Cowboys could add as defensive coordinator to replace Matt Eberflus, tab Schwartz as No. 1 on the list. Coaches often talk about playing complementary football, and Schwartz has certainly not gotten that from the Browns mess of an offense. He’d get plenty of that if he were to come to Dallas.
Writes BtB: “Schwartz’s scheme would also mesh well with the current roster. He cut his teeth under Jeff Fisher and Gregg Williams, and emphasizes physicality and aggression over everything. Schwartz loves playing press man coverage and, while not blitz-happy, his Browns do currently rank 10th in blitz rate. He’s more selective with his blitzes, like Mike Zimmer last year, but uses simulated pressures to find ways to win with four.”
Given Schwartz’s reputation in Cleveland, the Browns might be reluctant to let Schwartz leave. But if there is a coaching change at the top, Schwartz might want out, and with the influx of talent plus a quality offense, the Cowboys would be an ideal landing spot.
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