The Dallas Cowboys made a significant change during the offseason by replacing defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus with former Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker. But the change may have come with some shade being thrown, according to an NFL analyst.

During episode 180 of the Doin’ Alright podcast, Cowboys analyst Voch Lombardi believes that head coach Brian Schottenheimer subtly criticized the former DC Eberflus while explaining what he wanted in his replacement. 

“Schottenheimer said something that we're looking for in our new defensive coordinator - we're looking for a teacher and a communicator,” Lombardi said. "Teacher and communicator. And Schottenheimer might have said it five times… 'Oh, you looking for somebody that's a teacher and a communicator. That has to mean that Flu [Matt Eberflus] was not a teacher.”

Lombardi believes that if Schottenheimer viewed Eberflus as a strong teacher and communicator, he would not have emphasized those qualities when describing what he was looking for in a new defensive coordinator.

Eberflus was replaced after one season with the Cowboys, as the team had a disappointing 2025 season, mainly due to poor defense.

The team allowed an average of 30.1 points per game, which was the second-most points allowed in franchise history (511 points).

“If he had a phenomenal teacher and communicator, but he didn't like how he called plays, then Schottenheimer would go and pop the balloon and be like, 'Yeah, we're looking for a coach with more like game time play calling awareness or something,” Lombardi added.

The Cowboys finished the 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record, with communication being the core of the Cowboys' defensive issues.

The Cowboys surrendered 49 explosive plays through the first six weeks of the 2025 season, the second most in the league, trailing the Miami Dolphins (50), according to Garrett Podell of CBS Sports.

Lombardi believes that DC Parker can communicate and teach better techniques and has the resume of building players throughout his career, making him a suitable fit for the Cowboys.

"Everywhere he's gone, his quarterbacks have improved," Lombardi said. "They speak glowingly about him - from Ronald Darby to Jaire Alexander to the Eagles guys. They all say great things about Christian Parker."

Parker's impact was already noticeable during the OTA sessions, where he took an active, hands-on approach, working closely with the players and providing personalized feedback to refine their technique.

Christian Parker Making Early Impact During OTAs

According to Tommy Yarrish of the Dallas Cowboys.com, Parker wants to be 'deliberate about how they do everything', going back to the fundamentals and strengthening the base, such that the talent can shine on its own.

"If it's simple, it's important," Parker said, per Tommy Yarrish of Dallas Cowboys.com. "So, how are we tackling? How are we getting off blocks? How are we breaking the huddle? And then what is the foundation of how we want to kill blocks, tackle the football, play with great eyes and great communication?"

Parker believes that the Cowboys are still in the 'undergraduate phase', as the players need to understand the system well enough to play fast and confidently.

While the Cowboys' defense is still in the early stages of learning Parker's system, the DC's emphasis on fundamentals and communication has already made an impression during OTAs.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote