It could start with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who ran one of the worst defenses in franchise history in 2025. The Cowboys finished Eberflus’ first year on the job allowing an NFL-high 30.1 points per game and 6,409 yards, third worst in the league. The Cowboys also gave up a franchise-record 511 points.
And another change might occur with special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen, who didn’t get the best of endorsements from the No. 2 man in the organization, co-owner Stephen Jones, during a radio interview late last week on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM).
Jones praised an offense that finished seventh in the NFL with a 27.70 scoring average. Jones said the offense had an identity, unlike the defense and special teams units.
“Bottom line, we need an identity on the defensive side of the ball,” Jones said on The Fan. “I don’t think we established that this year. Whether it’s coach Eberflus or whoever it is, we have to create an identity. I think everybody would say that coach Schottenheimer has a ton of energy, he’s very authentic and has an identity. We’ve got to play to that in all three phases. I think we did in one phase this year. I don’t know that we established that in the other two phases.”
Following the team meeting, players underwent exit interviews with Schottenheimer and members of the coaching staff and front office. Schottenheimer said he’ll meet with his coaches on Wednesday and Thursday.
“These guys work their asses off all year and they got great insight and great input for us,” Schottenheimer said after losing to the Giants in the regular season finale on Sunday. “There is nothing out of bounds. They can say, ‘Hey you were the worst head coach I’ve ever seen in my life. I’ve ever been around.’ And that’s not going to hurt my feelings, it’s not. I want to know. I’m going to ask why, if they feel that way so I can fix it.”