Dallas Cowboys LB Micah Parsons celebrates with DT Osa Odighizuwa after a sack during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Osa Odighizuwa excited to make plays under new Cowboys D coordinator

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Randy Gurzi | Last updated May 30, 2025 11:43 AM ET

Much has been said about the Dallas Cowboys change at head coach this offseason. Brian Schottenheimer has brought a new energy to the franchise as he seeks to build the “greatest culture in professional sports.”

Far from a popular hire, Schottenheimer has won over critics with his authentic approach—as well as the impressive staff he’s hired. That includes former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, who is now the defensive coordinator in Dallas.

Eberflus never turned the Bears into winners, but he’s a well-respected veteran who had plenty of success as a defensive coach everywhere he’s gone. That includes a long stint coaching linebackers in Dallas (2011-2017).

Eberflus was beloved in the locker room during his tenure with the Cowboys and has picked up right where he left off. He’s already impressing the top players on defense, with Osa Odighizuwa expressing his excitement over the new scheme.

Cowboys DT Osa Odighizuwa on the emphasis new DC Matt Eberflus puts on his position and how his opportunities could be different this year: “Just based on some of the things we’re being asked to do right now, I was going back and watching some of the tape from last year and I’m… pic.twitter.com/UTYMcsN34o
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 30, 2025

This will be the third defensive coordinator Odighizuwa has worked under, and he’s had plenty of success with the prior coaches. He’s done so well that he received a massive extension this offseason.

A breakout star in 2024, Odighizuwa believes he can perform at an even higher level under Eberflus. That’s great news for Dallas, but not so much for their opponents.

This article first appeared on Dallas Cowboys on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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