Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan opted for the familiar in his first move as the Dallas Cowboys defensive czar, bringing in Matt Eberflus to coach the linebackers. Eberflus had the same job title with the Cleveland Browns for the past two seasons under Ryan.
Before that, Eberflus spent eight seasons with the University of Missouri Tigers, where he served as safeties coach, defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. He will replace Reggie Herring, who opted to join Wade Phillips in Houston.
With Ryan and Eberflus on the payroll in 2010, the Browns finished 22nd in the NFL in total defense--which doesn’t sound impressive, but considering the difference in talent, and the fact that the Browns sit directly in front of the Cowboys in total defense for that season, it’s not all that bad.
With Eberflus’ hiring, Dallas still has at least two openings, for defensive line coach and wide receivers coach, and, if they so choose, assistant offensive line coach, as well. Dallas interviewed Bruce Matthews and Dan Campbell for the aforementioned offensive line coach position, but were turned down by both.
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