Talkin’ Cowboys: “Another Reset Button”

Podcast: Talkin’ Cowboys (Dallas Cowboys)
Air Date: January 6, 2026
Hosts: Patrick Walker ("No C"), Josh Rodriguez, Isaiah Stanback, Kyle Yeomans, Chris Beam
Location: The Star in Frisco, TX

Episode Overview

This off-season episode dives straight into the big news surrounding the Dallas Cowboys: the firing of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after just one season. The crew analyzes the decision, debates what kind of coach Dallas should target next, and evaluates both the defensive coaching staff and player personnel. Through sharp analysis, candor, and occasional laughs, the hosts reflect on another year of instability at defensive coordinator and challenge the organization to pursue bold changes—coaches and players alike.

Main Topics and Key Insights

1. Firing of Matt Eberflus: Rapid, Decisive Move

• Breaking News (03:01): The Cowboys dismissed defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus only two days after a disappointing 7-9-1 finish, punctuated by a poor defensive showing against the Giants.
  • Quote: “The most prominent decision needed to be made was on Matt Eberflus. Hence the news landing this morning that Matt Eberflus is out and the coaching search can begin. But they're not quite done, I’m told…” —Patrick Walker (04:44)
• The firing contradicts earlier rumors of a slow (10–12 day) review period, underscoring urgency and organizational awareness.

Coaching Staff Review is Still Underway

• The hosts expect further defensive staff changes, with only defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton seen as indispensable.
  • Quote: “I would like for you to retain Aaron Whitecotton.” —Isaiah Stanback (05:03)
  • The defensive staff is scrutinized for lack of player development (notably at linebacker and cornerback).

2. Eberflus’ Failings: Scheme Over Players

• Inflexibility Exposed: The consensus is that Eberflus rigidly imposed his scheme on a misfit roster, rather than adapting to inherited personnel.
  • Quote: “He was too rigid in scheme over personnel... That doesn’t work at the NFL level.” —Kyle Yeomans (08:46)
• Personnel Shortcomings: While the D-line was strong (notably after trades for Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark), the team simply lacked the right players for Eberflus’ system, especially after trading away Micah Parsons.
  • Quote: “Through 17 games… you failed to scheme up pressure for the most part. The secondary faltered because of it. The linebackers faltered because of it...” —Patrick Walker (07:20)
  • Quote: “You can’t ask safeties…to do things traditional safeties would do if that’s not in their wheelhouse.” —Isaiah Stanback (12:32)

3. Accountability and Locker Room Disconnect

• The discussion highlights discontent among defenders about lack of meritocracy—some starters remained despite repeated mistakes, breeding resentment and loss of buy-in.
  • Quote: “‘OSA got benched for an offside penalty… then not long thereafter, Kenneth Murray with the boneheaded late hit out of bounds...and doesn’t get pulled. The message that sends to the locker room is outrageous.’” —Kyle Yeomans (24:36)

4. What’s Next: Old Guard vs. New Blood

Rex Ryan: The “Aura” Argument

• Isaiah Stanback passionately advocates for Rex Ryan, arguing his personality/aura would create an identity and high standard for the Dallas defense.
  • Quote: “When that person's name is mentioned, there are going to be players that say ‘ooh, either I can get with that or I ain't getting with that at all.’” —Isaiah Stanback (14:12)
• Kyle Yeomans pushes back: Rex Ryan’s decade-long absence from coaching would make his transition too slow, not ideal after four DCs in four years.
  • Quote: “10 years gone does not imply to me that you can hit the ground running...You need someone who's going to come in and hit the ground running.” —Kyle Yeomans (19:46)

Jonathan Gannon: The “Modern” Candidate

• Yeomans floats recently-available Jonathan Gannon (ex-Cardinals, former Philadelphia DC) as an appealing, less “old guard,” proven candidate with strong front-seven experience.
  • Quote: “Jonathan Gannon…knows how to get the edges where they need to be…you have to develop as Raku, go back linebackers. He knows how to coach linebackers.” —Kyle Yeomans (21:09)
  • Observes that Gannon’s ex-players publicly praised him post-firing, unlike Eberflus.
  • Gannon’s prior work under Mike Zimmer and Eberflus also noted (22:59).

Internal and Position Coach Options

• The crew debates promoting from within (specifically Aaron Whitecotton) but are hesitant due to lack of coordinating experience—good position coach isn’t always a good coordinator.
  • Quote: “All coordinators aren't head coaches. All position coaches aren't coordinators.” —Isaiah Stanback (38:02)
• Conversations reference former Dallas staffers now elsewhere, but consensus is that promotion to DC would constitute a real step up and none are sure things.

5. Organizational Approach: Consistency vs. Churn

• The group highlights the dangers of turnover—five DCs in five years breeds chaos and inertia.
  • Quote: “We don't want to be here in a year's time saying Cowboys have moved on from defensive coordinator in five years.” —Josh Rodriguez (29:37)
• Discussion about whether Dallas should finally chase continuity and a “sure thing,” or roll the dice on an up-and-comer.

6. Player Personnel Exercise: Who Should Start Next Year? (45:12–50:23)

• Patrick Walker runs through defensive starters, asking two questions about each:
  1. Should they start in Dallas in 2026?
  2. Would they start for any of the other 31 NFL teams?
• Reveals a “problem” with defensive depth and talent—many players are “yes” for Dallas, but far fewer would start elsewhere.
  • Notable exchanges:
    • “Kenny Clark?”—"Yes and yes. Quinnen Williams?"—"Yes." (46:03)
    • “Dante Fowler Jr.?”—"No." (46:11)
    • “Demarvion Overshown?”—"Best ability is availability." (47:14)
    • “Marquis Bell?”—"That's also depth and special team." (50:16)
• Conclusion: Dallas has a handful of tent-pole players, but lacks starting-caliber depth.
  • Quote: “There’s a lot of no’s there... That’s probably the biggest problem that we’re having.” —Patrick Walker (50:23)

7. What the Offseason Needs to Look Like

• The hosts insist Dallas must attack free agency as well as the draft, and can’t rely on bargain-bin signings or the fourth wave.
  • Quote: “You need to be active in the first two waves of free agency…you gotta walk away with at least one whale.” —Kyle Yeomans (51:39)
• Emphasize cap maneuverability through restructures/extensions.
• Quote: “There are so many ways to have the cap space. I mean, there’s so many ways to do it…I don’t want to talk about pie? Unless it’s sweet potato or key lime.” —Kyle Yeomans (52:10)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Eberflus’ Inflexibility:

  “He was too rigid in scheme over personnel... That doesn’t work at the NFL level.” —Kyle Yeomans (08:46)

• Locker Room Disconnect:

  “OSA got benched for an offside penalty…then not long thereafter, Kenneth Murray with the boneheaded late hit out of bounds and doesn’t get pulled. The message that sends...is outrageous.” —Kyle Yeomans (24:36)

• On Defensive Coordinator Profile:

  “When that person's name is mentioned, there are going to be players that say ‘ooh, either I can get with that or I ain't getting with that at all.’” —Isaiah Stanback (14:12)

• On the Risk of More Turnover:

  “We don't want to be here in a year's time saying the Cowboys have moved on from defensive coordinator in five years.” —Josh Rodriguez (29:37)

• On Offseason Approach:

  “You need to be active in the first two waves of free agency…you gotta walk away with at least one whale.” —Kyle Yeomans (51:39)

Section Timestamps for Easy Reference

• Firing of Eberflus & Immediate Reaction: 03:01–11:00
• Philosophical Debate—Old Guard/DC Candidates: 14:00–22:59
• Candidate Deep Dive—Gannon, Internal Options: 20:00–41:00
• “Starter or Not?” Player Personnel Exercise: 45:12–50:23
• Offseason Strategy Discussion: 51:00–53:13

Tone & Style Notes

• Camaraderie and humor balance a critical and candid football analysis.
• Directness: The hosts do not shy away from calling for a “clean house,” challenging organizational timidity, or questioning the allure of both old and new school candidates.
• Cowboys Language and Sarcasm: Frequent references to blue-chip players, classic football cliches, and a willingness to poke fun at each other and past decisions.

Takeaways for Listeners

• The Matt Eberflus firing marks the start of another dramatic defensive reset—a move unanimously endorsed by the podcast.
• Dallas must choose between another retread or a bold, new-school voice in its next DC—either way, the franchise must demand identity, accountability, and results.
• Defensive personnel needs upgrading at almost every position except a select few; free agency and the draft must be approached with urgency, creativity, and aggression.
• After years of instability, the next hire is not just about scheme—it’s about leadership, vision, and halting the franchise’s defensive revolving door.

If you missed the episode, this summary gives you everything you need—big decisions, sharp debates, and what lies ahead for the Dallas Cowboys defense.