The Chicago Bears have ushered in a new era by appointing Ben Johnson as their head coach for the upcoming 2025 NFL season. This move comes in the aftermath of the dismissal of the previous head coach, Matt Eberflus, who was let go following a disappointing loss on Thanksgiving. Eberflus’ tenure with the Bears concluded with a record of 14-32 and a series of questionable game-management choices.
Despite his departure from Chicago, Eberflus wasted no time in finding a new role in the NFL. He has now joined the coaching staff of the Dallas Cowboys under the leadership of head coach Brian Schottenheimer for the 2025 season. Eberflus’ defensive expertise has secured him the position of defensive coordinator with the Cowboys, a role that aligns well with the team’s existing 4-3 defensive scheme established by former head coach Mike Zimmer.
Before the official announcement of Eberflus’ hiring by the Cowboys, there was a slight stir of controversy. Reports from ESPN’s Ed Werder revealed the team’s intent to bring Eberflus on board without having fulfilled the NFL’s Rooney Rule requirement. This rule necessitates that teams conduct interviews with at least two minority or female candidates for coaching positions before making a final hire.
In response to this oversight, the Cowboys quickly arranged interviews with Ryan Crow, the Miami Dolphins’ outside linebackers coach, and former Bears secondary coach Andre Curtis. These interviews, though a bit of a formality, helped the Cowboys satisfy the Rooney Rule.
The handling of the situation prompted some criticism, with ESPN’s Courtney Cronin noting that the Cowboys had mishandled the process. While Eberflus may still choose to add Curtis to his coaching staff in Dallas, the incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of the Rooney Rule in promoting diversity in coaching.
As Eberflus embarks on his new role with the Cowboys, the NFL may face renewed scrutiny over its policies in the upcoming offseason. Despite the questionable circumstances surrounding his hiring, Eberflus is ready to contribute his defensive expertise to the Dallas Cowboys in the 2025 season.
