Podcast Summary: Locked On Cowboys

Episode Title: INEVITABLE: Why the Dallas Cowboys Must FIRE Matt Eberflus to Transform Their Defense in 2026
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Date: December 23, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers around the growing consensus that Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is likely to be fired after another poor defensive performance. Marcus and Landon break down recent defensive issues, discuss Jerry Jones's public comments, debate the attractiveness of the Cowboys' DC job for top candidates in 2026, and explore personnel decisions on both the offensive line and the defensive interior. The hosts aim to forecast how the Cowboys can reshape their defense for a championship window, while also touching on the development of specific players.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Inevitability of Moving On from Matt Eberflus

• Defensive Collapse Against Chargers ([01:45])
  • Cowboys surrendered 34 points; didn’t force a field goal attempt or punt in the first half.
  • Jerry Jones’s tepid public support signals changes are coming.
• Defensive Scheme Misfit ([03:12])
  • Eberflus increased blitzes and man coverage, but execution was poor.
  • Lack of proper blitz/coverage installation due to limited practice and playbook design.
  • Marcus criticizes Eberflus for failing to adapt his scheme or maximize player strengths:

    “They don’t have the personnel to run what Eberflus wants… He’s not adjusting his scheme. It’s just a bad fit.” – Marcus Mosher ([05:04])

• Ownership Hesitation over Turnover ([05:04])
  • Cowboys might be wary about having a fourth defensive coordinator in four years, but hosts agree continuity isn’t a good enough reason to keep Eberflus.

2. Options & Attractiveness for the 2026 Defensive Coordinator

• Improved Pool of Candidates This Offseason ([06:01])
  • Potential candidates: Todd Bowles, Jim Schwartz, Jonathan Gannon.
  • Timing and proactive decision-making could help Dallas land a top-quality coordinator.
• Is the Job Attractive? ([07:20])
  • Current defensive roster seen as “barren”: needs at linebacker, corner, safety, defensive end.
  • Still, Landon believes the job is desirable due to:
    • High pay and visibility.
    • Dallas’s reputation for spending resources on defense.
    • Two first-round picks in the upcoming draft.
    • "There's clearly going to be a commitment by this front office to make this defense better because the offense is kind of where it needs to be…" – Landon McCool ([07:59])
• Seeking a Long-Term Solution ([07:59])
  • Dallas wants a stable, modern defensive mind, preferably with head coaching experience, who can grow with the team.

3. What Fits Best? Coordinator Profile & Scheme Needs

• Scheme Flexibility Over Personnel Fit ([10:09])
  • Roster is scheme-versatile, not locked into any one defensive system.
  • Need somebody versed in simulated pressures, modern defense, and not afraid to blitz.
  • Emphasis on maximizing current personnel’s strengths and generating pressure creatively.
• Roster-Driven Coordinator Search? ([11:19])
  • Marcus: If Cowboys hire a heavy blitzer (e.g., Brian Flores, Wink Martindale), they’ll need to prioritize coverage players.
  • If preferring more zone/Cover-2 looks, will need to bolster the defensive line.

4. Offensive Line: Tyler Smith’s Future

• Tyler Smith at Left Tackle ([14:29])
  • Stepped in for injured Tyler Guyton and played well, but some weaknesses persist.
  • Strengths: Exceptional strength and grip; once latched, defenders are neutralized.
  • Limitations: Footwork and hand placement issues, particularly in space, can lead to holding penalties.
    • “He’s a better than average NFL left tackle… I just think that ultimately, there’s a ceiling there because of the way he plays the game.” – Landon McCool ([16:09])
• Guard or Tackle: Value Debate ([17:06])
  • Marcus suggests with a full offseason to train at LT, Smith could improve further.
    • “If he’s the eighth or ninth left tackle in the league, is that better than being the fourth left guard? I don’t know.” – Marcus Mosher ([17:06])
  • Landon leans toward guard being his optimal spot.
• Durability, Continuity, and Prospects ([18:17])
  • Emphasizes importance of a strong interior for Dak Prescott.
  • Tyler Guyton needs to stay healthy for tackle continuity.
  • Preference for Tyler Smith as a “break glass in case of emergency” LT, rather than a long-term plan.

5. Defensive Tackles: Emergence & Crowded Room

• Kenny Clark’s High-Level Play ([24:46])
  • Clark has shined, benefiting from the addition of Quinnen Williams.
  • Osa Odighizuwa, Quinnen Williams, and Clark all in the top-12 DTs by advanced stats since Week 7.
  • Perryon Winfrey and Solomon Thomas also contributing.
    • “It's getting to the point you and I were talking about this...that defensive tackle room overall is getting a little bit crowded” – Landon McCool ([24:46])
• Leverage & Scheme Implications ([27:19])
  • Unique strength at DT; question if it justifies a trade (i.e., Clark to bolster DE).
  • Coordinator choice could influence whether Dallas leans further into this DT depth.
  • Possibility of using more “mint” or 3-man fronts; references to Denver's front structure.
  • Must avoid systems where DTs are just block-eaters (as in old-school 3-4s); instead, they should continue to attack upfield.
    • “I don’t want to change the way these guys are playing… I want these guys getting through gaps, one-gapping.” – Landon McCool ([29:57])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Defensive Scheme Failure:
  “The fact that the Cowboys did more blitzing and still had the kind of success [by the opponent] is an indictment on this coach's inability…”
  – Landon McCool ([03:12])
• On Job Attractiveness:
  “You’re going to get paid well, you’re going to get a lot of exposure here… if you’re one of these coordinators… Maybe you’re looking more long term.”
  – Landon McCool ([07:59])
• On Tyler Smith’s Ceiling:
  “I think he's a better than average NFL left tackle, which is really, really saying something, considering he doesn’t really practice it or do much there.”
  – Landon McCool ([16:09])
• On Defensive Tackle Depth:
  “It’s hard to find these guys, especially the guys who can rush the passer and play the run. You have a couple of these guys now…”
  – Landon McCool ([24:46])
• On Scheme for Defensive Tackles:
  “I want these guys getting through gaps. I want these guys one-gapping.”
  – Landon McCool ([29:57])
• Funny Aside:
  (George Pickens “fan-punching” discussion and Terry Bradshaw’s reaction) ([09:19])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:45 — Opening discussion: Defensive collapse, Jerry Jones’s hints, Eberflus's likely fate
• 03:12–06:01 — Defensive scheme criticisms and the case for moving on
• 06:01–07:59 — Defensive coordinator candidate discussion; attractiveness of the Dallas job
• 10:09–11:19 — Coordinator scheme fit vs. available personnel
• 14:29–16:09 — Tyler Smith breakdown: evaluation at left tackle
• 17:06–21:40 — Guard vs. tackle debate for Smith, left side O-line prospects
• 24:46–26:16 — Kenny Clark emergence, DT depth, advanced stats
• 27:19–29:57 — Defensive line structure, trade debate, scheme preferences for DTs

Conclusion

The episode provides a candid and analytical look into the near-certain firing of Matt Eberflus, the coordinator market for 2026, and major team-building questions that will shape the Cowboys’ fate in the coming seasons. The hosts offer strong arguments for a modern defensive approach while carefully examining player development and strategic depth, especially along the offensive and defensive lines. The tone is insightful, occasionally humorous, and deeply rooted in practical football analysis.

For a deeper dive into the next defensive coordinator search and ongoing Cowboys roster evaluations, stay tuned to Locked On Cowboys.