Whether it's sustained or not, the Dallas Cowboys defense has shown some examples of a turnaround. But is it enough to save Matt Eberflus' job?
Jerry Jones is on a bad streak with defensive coordinators, at least regarding their tenure in staying with the organization.
The Dallas Cowboys are on their third different DC in as many years, with Dan Quinn rising to a head coach after 2023 and Mike Zimmer coming in for a one-and-done in 2024 that ended with head coach Mike McCarthy's exit.
Then in comes first-year boss Brian Schottenheimer and his appointment of former Bears coach Matt Eberflus to be his coordinator - serving as a reunion for Jones and his former linebackers coach from 2011-2015.
But in 2025, the early stretch of the season told a haunting narrative about Eberflus' future in Dallas, especially based on the recent movement at the position in comparison to head coach, which tends to get more perceived "figure-it-out" leniency by Jones.
Then the trade deadline happened. Since Week 10, Eberflus' defense has seen a resurgence, rising from basement-dwellers in NFL rankings to somewhat competency that has initiated a win streak over quality opponents and fostered playoff optimism.
But is it enough for Eberflus to avoid this dreaded and consistent fate of short-lived coordinators?
As ESPN recalls, it's a trend that dates back to previous decades.
"Mike Nolan was one-and-done with the Cowboys in 2020 ... [and] Before them, Monte Kiffin lasted one year as defensive coordinator in 2013 before being demoted to an assistant role, with Rod Marinelli taking over instead."
With Dallas in Detroit and ready to extend this streak against another team in the hunt for a postseason berth, writer Bill Barnwell details Eberflus' job security as not tied to the team's recent performance.
"If Eberflus' defense continues to approach league average, he should see a second season in Dallas," Barnwell said. "[But] If it falls back toward the bottom of the pack and the Cowboys miss the playoffs, though, it's not difficult to imagine Jones going for his third defensive coordinator in three years."
The Cowboys grabbed star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams at the deadline to instigate this turnaround, that has brought Dallas from the 31st-ranked team in expected points added (EPA) per play up to 21st in that category three weeks later. Barnwell notes that Eberflus' systems have been stronger with a dominating presence in the interior of the line, and Williams is proving that to be the case yet again.
Eberflus - a notable "linebacker whisperer and former player at the spot himself - also tends to have a favoritism there for the center of the defense. With the emergence of DeMarvion Overshown back from injury and solid play from rookie Shemar James, things have fortunately improved there as well.
But the job isn't done.
Dallas has one last opponent amid this three-game "gauntlet" to slay, which would miraculously extend a streak that many thought was impossible as much as improbable.
Williams - along with "C.O.W' running-mates Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa - need to showcase their improved run defense against a stout tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The Lions may be without star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (and TE Sam LaPorta being done for the year), causing them to potentially lean more heavily on the ground game.
Despite the momentum, Barnwell still lists Eberflus as someone with "something to prove."
"Thursday Night Football" in the Motor City is 'Flus' next opportunity to prove that this stretch isn't more than a fluke.
History says his job could be on the line if he can't make it happen.