Cowboys Coach Makes Shocking Decision
The Dallas Cowboys finished the season 9-7 and missed the playoffs, which was a disappointing end to a season that started with Super Bowl aspirations. Despite the way the season unfolded, the Cowboys are optimistic about next season because of all the talent they have on the team.
Dallas will have to make its run next year without the services of linebackers coach Matt Eberflus, who accepted a deal to become the new defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts.
Jerry Jones and the Cowboys coaching staff and team really liked Eberflus, who had become a hot commodity in the league and was being courted by numerous teams. Jones had been rumored to be thinking about making Eberflus the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator in waiting, with current coordinator Rod Marinelli expected to retire after next season.
According to ESPN, Jones decided against waiting to name Eberflus the defensive coordinator and decided to offer him the job and promote Marinelli to assistant coach. However, Eberflus declined the offer and decided to go work with Josh McDaniels, who is expected to be named the new head coach of the Colts once the Patriots’ season is over.
Sources close to the situation said Eberflus turned down the offer because he did not want step on the toes of Marinelli, who helped teach him the finer points of the 4-3 scheme in 2014.
Sean Lee, who formed a close bond with Eberflus, became a Pro Bowl and All-Pro linebacker under his tutelage.
The Cowboys obviously would have loved to retain Eberflus’ services, but since he wanted to become a defensive coordinator and wasn’t willing to do it at the expense of Marinelli, who was expected to retire, he has to do what’s best for himself.
The good news is since he has a great relationship with Jones and his defensive players, the Cowboys might be able to lure him back in the future, maybe even as head coach.
