FRISCO, TEXAS — The Dallas Cowboys closed the 2025 season at 7–9–1, missing the playoffs, and immediately made changes to their coaching staff, parting ways with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on Tuesday.
First-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer inherits a team with established leadership but clear areas for improvement. “We want to cast a wide net to find the right people, communicate clearly with our players, and build a team that can compete at the highest level,” he said.
A season of contrasts
Dallas finished second in the NFC East despite ranking among the NFL’s most productive offenses, scoring 471 points and accumulating 6,663 total yards — both top-10 marks in the league.
Quarterback Dak Prescott remains the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ roster plan. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones reiterated the team’s commitment to the veteran signal-caller, noting that Dallas has built both its roster and offensive philosophy around him. “Everything we’ve done is about complementing what Dak brings,” Jerry Jones said.
Prescott threw for 4,552 yards, the third-highest single-season total in franchise history, trailing only his 2019 campaign and Tony Romo’s 2012 mark. The Cowboys’ offensive stars delivered impressive performances: wide receiver George Pickens led the team with 1,429 receiving yards, running back Javonte Williams rushed for 1,201 yards, CeeDee Lamb surpassed 1,000 receiving yards, and tight end Jake Ferguson recorded over 80 catches in a featured role.
The defense, however, struggled to match the offense’s production, yielding 477 points and failing to consistently create game-changing turnovers. “We improved against the run late in the year,” Schottenheimer said. “Where we fell short was creating momentum-changing plays. The takeaway margin is on me.” Kenneth Murray Jr. led the team in tackles, Jadeveon Clowney paced the club in sacks, and Donovan Wilson led in interceptions as Dallas sought week-to-week consistency.
Offseason priorities
Team president and co-general manager Stephen Jones highlighted roster needs heading into the offseason. “Linebacker — we can use some help there — and then secondary,” Stephen Jones said. Offseason priorities also include re-signing George Pickens and Javonte Williams to keep the team’s top playmakers intact. He praised Schottenheimer’s leadership, noting, “His love for the game and his passion about the game is unquestionable. We’ve made quantum leaps in the football character of our team.”
The Cowboys enter the offseason with cap flexibility and two first-round draft picks, aiming to strengthen both sides of the ball. Stephen Jones emphasized accountability and roster flexibility as critical goals. “We’ve got to be ready to do what it takes to compete at the highest level. That’s what we expect from everyone in this organization,” he said.
The Cowboys’ offseason starts now. With key decisions ahead on the roster and coaching staff, Dallas is aiming to turn lessons from 2025 into a blueprint for contention in 2026.
