Matt Eberflus' future with Cowboys seems clear after defensive dud vs. Chargers

Will the Dallas Cowboys be getting a new defensive coordinator for Christmas? 

Before Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus was facing widespread criticism for the team's defensive struggles. Entering Week 16, the Cowboys ranked second-to-last in the league in points allowed (30 PPG). 

The coach didn't do anything to silence his skeptics in Week 16. The Cowboys lost 34-17 to the Chargers, falling to 6-8-1. L.A. QB Justin Herbert completed 23-of-29 passes for 300 yards and two TDs, posting a season-high 132.8 passer rating.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones fielded questions about Eberflus' future in a postgame news conference. He said he's not planning to fire him before the end of the season, but he made it apparent he's probably not coming back in 2026. 

Jerry Jones hints team will move on from Matt Eberflus in 2026

"I might not count it as difficult," Jones said when asked if determining Eberflus' future will be challenging, via Patrik Walker of the team website. "And that is to look at the entire year and look at what our options are, and how to correct it so we're not here at the same time next year. Now that's not uncommon to evaluate at this time of year — your entire coaching staff. And, obviously, the target is on him because of our statistical, as well as actual play on the defensive side of the ball, but that goes with it."