Just a few weeks ago, former Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Coach Matt Eberflus was announced as the new defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts. He was set to join Josh McDaniels' staff, who was expected to take over as head coach once the New England Patriots' season ended.
As of yesterday evening, though, McDaniels is now staying on as offensive coordinator with the Patriots. So where does that leave Eberflus, the Colts, and the Cowboys?
According to Adam Schefter, the McDaniels issue changes nothing for Coach Eberflus.
Former Cowboys' asst HC/LB coach Matt Eberflus already has signed to become Colts' defensive coordinator and former Illinois D-line coach Mike Phair has signed to become Indy's D-line coach – and both will stay with Colts, whoever the HC is, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2018
Even if Eberflus wanted out of this deal, his roles with the Cowboys have already been filled.
Matt not only served as the linebackers coach, but was also the passing game coordinator. That primary role was filled by the promotion of Ben Bloom, who'd worked under Eberflus for several years. Kris Richard, the former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator, has filled the role of passing game coordinator. Richard was recently signed to become Dallas' new defensive backs coach.
Not only have Eberflus' previous roles been filled, but it is assumed Richard was brought in to eventually replace Rod Marinelli as defensive coordinator. This could happen as soon as 2019.
This was the same expectation for Eberflus, who was reportedly offered the job for next season if it would keep him from leaving for the Colts. He refused out of loyalty to Marinelli.
Thankfully for Matt Eberflus, the music stopped with him still having a chair in Indianapolis. Don't be surprised if we hear his name again down the road, though, as Dallas will certainly keep him on their radar for any future openings.
