Possible replacements for Matt Eberflus as the Cowboys DC in 2026

So we have to at least entertain this question at some point before the end of the year and ask ourselves, do we really think Matt Eberflus will be brought back in 2026?

I totally understand that the players that he is working with are not the greatest after you trade a guy like Micah Parsons, but the writing is on the wall, the type of defense that he is trying to run is just not working.

As the season comes to an end, a lot of coaches are going to be looking to move on or find a new spot on a expiring contract.

Let’s first say that nothing has come about whether Eberflus will be brought back yet or let go. These are just my thoughts.

So with that said, who could be a couple of guys that Dallas could look at if they indeed move on from Matt?

Brian Flores

The clear answer to this and the guy who should be at the top of every single list is Brian Flores. He has made that Vikings’ defense do amazing things over the last few years.

The Flores defense ranks in the top 10 in both yards and points. His contract is up at the end of this season, and if he does not get looked at for a possible head coach with a team, Dallas should make the call.

He will be the best on the market, but do you think he would leave the Vikings if offered to come back to go to a team that has the worst defense in football?

Well, if you can make them at least average, you will have a way better offense on the other side in Dallas, so I think Jerry would offer him the assistant head coach title or something to get him in big D.

From Mike Florio: “And the increasing chatter in league circles is that the #Cowboys will be firmly in play for Flores.”

Not sure Brian Flores would give up a head coaching job to be a DC again, but the opportunity in Dallas doesn’t lack appeal either.#DallasCowboys https://t.co/MPAxEsrMPt pic.twitter.com/ZfJcHVw9Z5

— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) December 28, 2025

Al Harris

Al Harris is thriving over there in Chicago, and he is the guy that I wanted to be the defensive coordinator in Dallas, but instead they let Harris walk out the door.

He is currently the passing game coordinator with the Bears, but when he was with Dallas under Mike McCarthy, he played a major part in why the defense, for the most part, was above average.

The Bears would be able to decline an interview with Harris, but reports have also been out that the Washington Commanders are looking at him as well for their DC job as well if Joe Whit Jr gets fired out there.

Harris is loved by a lot of folks inside the Dallas locker room, so he would be the second guy I would take a look at after Flores.

Jim Schwartz

If you are the Cowboys, why not at least reach out to the Browns and see if they could speak with the Browns defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz?

The Browns seem to have a solid defense every single year, and yes they have Myles Garrett, but he is a guy that has been a solid defensive mind for a long time.

The Browns hired him in 2023, and it has been one of the bright spots for them over the last few years.

All I am saying is if the Cowboys move on from Matt Eberflus, they should, hopefully, they have a handful of coaches that could be in play, and many more outside just these three I touched on.