Jan. 10, 2026, 7:45 a.m. ET
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is looking to hire a new defensive coordinator.
The 2025 Jets defense was an abomination under both Steve Wilks and interim play-caller Chris Harris. Coach Glenn is looking around the league for capable candidates, and one could emerge following his dismissal from the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. It qualifies as a potential mistake. The Cowboys traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons right before the season and unfairly expected Eberflus to pick up the pieces. The Jets should possess interest in hiring him.
Eberflus was the Indianapolis Colts‘ defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021. They finished as a top 10 scoring defense in three of Eberflus’ four seasons in charge of the defense. He naturally emerged as a head coaching candidate, taking the Chicago Bears‘ lead job in 2022.
Eberflus lasted three disappointing seasons in Chicago, compiling a 14-32 record. His inability to sort through the offense and quarterback position ultimately doomed his tenure. In-game decision making was a routine issue as well. Luckily for the Jets, Eberflus wouldn’t be tasked with any of those responsibilities as the defensive coordinator.
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Eberflus is a proven defensive play-caller. The Jets need an experienced candidate who could bring stability while improving the floor and ceiling of the 2026 defense. Eberflus checks multiple boxes and should appear on the Jets’ DC shortlist.