The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant change to their coaching staff as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. Matt Eberflus, previously the head coach of the Chicago Bears, has been appointed as the new defensive coordinator, taking over after Mike Zimmer, who filled the role in 2024. The team’s strategy focuses on bolstering their defense, particularly in the linebacker position, with the signing of Jack Sanborn, who has experience under Eberflus during his tenure with the Bears. As the new coaching staff sets sail, the Cowboys aim to improve their defensive performance, which has lagged in recent seasons.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Transitioning Defensive Leadership in Dallas |
| 2) Jack Sanborn’s New Chapter in Dallas |
| 3) Defensive Strategies Under Eberflus |
| 4) Competition at Linebacker: Sanborn’s Role |
| 5) Looking Ahead: Expectations for the Cowboys Defense |
Transitioning Defensive Leadership in Dallas
In a notable shift, the Dallas Cowboys are embarking on yet another new era in their defensive coaching personnel, marking their third defensive coordinator in three years. Following the departure of Dan Quinn, who left to take over as the head coach of the Washington Commanders after the 2023 season, the team turned to veteran coach Mike Zimmer for the 2024 season. Now, the Cowboys have secured Matt Eberflus, formerly the head coach of the Chicago Bears, to fill this critical role. Eberflus is expected to bring a fresh perspective and a robust approach to a Cowboys defense that has faced substantial challenges in recent years.
The turnover in leadership highlights an overarching strategy by the Cowboys to strengthen their defensive unit, which has struggled to live up to its potential. With Eberflus at the helm, the franchise anticipates a transformation in their defensive tactics to better compete in a fiercely contested NFC division. The appointment of Eberflus comes at a crucial time, as the Cowboys look to establish a consistent identity on defense and improve their performance against high-powered offenses throughout the league.
Jack Sanborn’s New Chapter in Dallas
As part of Eberflus’ plan to elevate the Cowboys’ defense, the team has signed linebacker Jack Sanborn to a one-year deal for the upcoming season. Sanborn, an undrafted free agent from the University of Wisconsin, impressed during his time with the Bears under Eberflus, appearing in 48 games over three seasons and contributing significantly on the field. His statistics reflect a solid performance, including 164 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and an interception. This accomplishment, particularly for an undrafted player, marks a noteworthy achievement in his young NFL career.
Sanborn, who was surprised not to receive a tender as a restricted free agent with the Bears, is eager to forge a fresh chapter in Dallas. Reflecting on his time in Chicago, he describes playing for his hometown team as a “dream come true.” Now, he is looking forward to stepping outside of Chicago and embracing a new challenge. He expressed enthusiasm about working with Eberflus again, stating, “I’ve obviously been with Coach Eberflus… He’s aggressive, he wants to stop the run, he wants to get up to the quarterback… I’m excited to be with him and everyone else on the staff.”
Defensive Strategies Under Eberflus
Eberflus has a reputation for employing aggressive defensive strategies that emphasize attacking the line of scrimmage and creating turnovers. During his two-season tenure in Chicago, he helped the Bears’ defense rank 11th in the NFL for rushing yards allowed, surrendering an average of only 111.3 yards per game. This efficiency starkly contrasts with the Cowboys’ performance, which saw them ranked 24th in rushing yards allowed at 124.7 per game over the same time frame, indicating a pressing need for improvement in this area.
Sanborn’s familiarity with Eberflus’ scheme is expected to be an asset for the Cowboys as they work to revamp their defensive play. He notes that one of Eberflus’ coaching principles is ensuring that each player understands their individual roles and how they contribute to the team’s overall success. By instilling this mindset, the Cowboys aim to cultivate a defense that not only limits scoring but also excels at generating game-changing turnovers.
Competition at Linebacker: Sanborn’s Role
In addition to enhancing team cohesion and performance, Sanborn will face competition at the linebacker position as the Cowboys look to solidify their starting lineup. He will be vying for a spot alongside newly acquired linebacker Kenneth Murray, a former first-round pick, and Marist Liufau, a promising player selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. The competition has intensified with the news that DeMarvion Overshown has sustained a second ACL injury, further opening opportunities for Sanborn to step into a prominent role in the defense.
Sanborn has indicated his readiness to share his knowledge of Eberflus’ system with the younger members of the linebacker corps, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration. He stated, “I’m pretty much an open book, easy to talk to… Relatively we have kind of a decently young linebackers room, so just doing whatever to help Dallas, the defense, right now.” This willingness to support his teammates will be crucial as the Cowboys navigate through training camp and the pre-season, determining the most effective combination of players for the upcoming campaign.
Looking Ahead: Expectations for the Cowboys Defense
As the Cowboys gear up for the 2025 season, expectations remain high both internally and externally. With Eberflus and Sanborn at the forefront of the restructured defense, the team is looking to not only improve their statistics but also establish a feared reputation capable of competing against top offenses in the league. The Cowboys must focus on addressing their recent woes regarding rushing defense, as they aim to protect leads and maintain their playoff aspirations.
The front office’s decisions indicate a proactive approach to rebuilding and improving the defense by investing in coaching talent and promising players. Both Eberflus and Sanborn are lauded for their football intelligence and competitive spirit, which should resonate throughout the team’s locker room. The collaboration of Eberflus and his former player Sanborn may also foster a more cohesive defensive unit leading to increased performance this upcoming season.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Dallas Cowboys have hired Matt Eberflus as their new defensive coordinator for the 2025 season. |
| 2 | Jack Sanborn, previously with the Chicago Bears, has signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys. |
| 3 | Eberflus’ defensive strategies focus on aggression and stopping the run, vital for the Cowboys’ past struggles on defense. |
| 4 | Sanborn will compete for a linebacker position alongside Kenneth Murray and Marist Liufau, especially due to Overshown’s injury. |
| 5 | The collaboration between Eberflus and Sanborn could lead the Cowboys defense to significant improvements in the 2025 season. |
Summary
The transition to Matt Eberflus as the Dallas Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator signals a strategic shift aimed at overcoming recent difficulties in defensive performance. With the signing of Jack Sanborn, a linebacker well-acquainted with Eberflus’ coaching style, the Cowboys are bolstering their efforts to enhance their defensive capabilities. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, this new leadership dynamic holds the potential to transform their defensive performance and foster a more competitive edge in the NFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Who is the new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys?
The new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys is Matt Eberflus, who previously served as the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
Question: What is Jack Sanborn’s background in the NFL?
Jack Sanborn is a linebacker who signed with the Dallas Cowboys after playing three seasons with the Chicago Bears, where he had significant contributions on defense.
Question: How has the Cowboys’ defense performed in recent seasons?
In recent seasons, the Cowboys have struggled defensively, particularly against the run, allowing an average of 124.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 24th in the NFL. This is an area they are looking to improve heading into the 2025 season.
