Stephen A. Smith Supports Cowboys’ Decision to Fire DC Matt Eberflus

The Dallas Cowboys have officially parted ways with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus following a disappointing 2025 season. Despite finishing second in total yardage, the Cowboys’ defense, under Eberflus, allowed an alarming average of over 30 points per game, prompting widespread criticism and calls for change.

In a segment on ESPN’s First Take, sports analyst Stephen A. Smith expressed his support for the firing. “No surprise, deservedly so. I don’t want to celebrate a human being’s firing. But I will say, however, it was warranted,” Smith stated on January 6, 2026. He highlighted the Cowboys’ struggles, noting, “You’re giving up over 30 points a game. One of the worst defenses in all of the NFL.”

The Cowboys’ defense had a record-breaking year for the wrong reasons, giving up the most points and yards per play in the league. They allowed 34 or more points in seven games, ranking tied for the fourth-most in a season since the NFL’s 1970 merger. Smith criticized the team’s defensive performance, indicating that better management could have altered their postseason prospects.

In the lead-up to the season, injuries and trade decisions hindered the Cowboys’ defensive strategies. Eberflus faced challenges after Micah Parsons was lost to injury shortly before the season began. Smith pointed out that Jerry Jones, the team’s owner, waited until the trade deadline to acquire defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, which ultimately limited the team’s options.

Dallas attempted to revamp their defensive lineup during the season, trading away All-Pros Parsons and Trevon Diggs while bringing in new talent, including Kenny Clark and Williams. These adjustments briefly revitalized the defense, leading to a three-game stretch where they held opponents to under 30 points, a feat they had not achieved consistently throughout the year.

Despite this temporary improvement, the Cowboys’ defense faltered late in the season, allowing 34 or more points in four of their final five games. Their performance during that stretch led to a disappointing 1-4 record, sealing their fate as they failed to secure a playoff berth.

While the decision to dismiss Eberflus marks a significant first step toward rebuilding, experts suggest the Cowboys will need to implement more comprehensive changes to their defensive strategy. The future of the defense will hinge on selecting a new coordinator who can effectively utilize the talent available and develop a more cohesive unit capable of competing at a high level.

As the Cowboys move forward, the focus will shift to finding a replacement who can address the defensive shortcomings that plagued the team this season. The upcoming offseason will be critical in determining how Dallas rebounds from this disappointing campaign.