Even though the Dallas Cowboys have already been eliminated from playoff contention for several weeks and aren’t playing for seeding in Week 18 like some of their rivals, that doesn’t mean they aren’t playing for anything at all. The Cowboys travel to New York to take on their division-rival Giants on Sunday, with the chance to get to .500 on the season.
But more importantly for the future, major changes could be on their way in the Cowboys’ building. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Cowboys are expected to make changes to their coaching staff, with Dallas DC Matt Eberflus and the rest of the defensive staff the focus. Before landing in Dallas, Eberflus was the head coach of the Bears for three seasons, leading them to a 14-32 record (he was fired after Week 13 last season). Before that, he was the defensive coordinator of the Colts under HC Frank Reich.
The day after the NFL regular season ends is nicknamed “Black Monday” for all the coach and front office firings that usually take place on said day. For the Cowboys, it sounds like they’ll be looking to make changes on the defensive side of the ball.
The Dallas Cowboys Defense has been a Problem All Season Long
GettyLANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 25: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to a game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on December 25, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
It’s not surprising that the Cowboys would be looking to move on from Eberflus. Despite some personnel adversity — more on that later — his unit has significantly underperformed expectations in 2025, and it dragged down a strong offense.
The only time Dallas has held an opponent under 20 points all season long was when they held the Raiders to 16 points in a win in Las Vegas. Entering Sunday’s action, the Cowboys rank 30th in total defense, 32nd in pass defense, 32nd in points per game allowed, and 31st in EPA per play allowed.
For first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, it’s an unacceptable situation. Schottenheimer took over for the departed Mike McCarthy, whose contract expired after the 2024 season and was not renewed. “Schotty” was the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator under McCarthy and has continued to produce a potent offense in his new role. Eberflus had strong defenses during his time in Chicago, but it clearly isn’t working right now in Dallas.
The Micah Parsons Trade has Aged Even Worse for the Dallas Cowboys than Originally Expected
When the Cowboys shocked the world just before the start of the season, sending All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers for DT Kenny Clark and two first-round picks, everyone knew it was a bad idea. Aside from Cowboys decision-makers, at least.
Without Parsons in the lineup, Dallas has been unable to generate much of a pass rush. That, in turn, has put a ton of pressure on the Cowboys’ secondary, leading to their league-worst pass defense.
One of those first-round picks acquired in the Parsons trade went to the Jets in exchange for DT Quinnen Williams. An All-Pro in his own right, Williams was a major boost to the Cowboys’ run defense. But Parsons’ productivity has been difficult for Dallas to replace in the pass rush department.
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