As head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Brian Schottenheimer has his hands full. He’s already managing the offense and calling plays, which means hours in the film room with Dak Prescott and the team. But with the defense sliding in recent weeks, Schottenheimer is also meeting with coordinator Matt Eberflus.

It’s not his preference. Schottenheimer admitted it brings back memories from his days as an offensive coordinator, when head coaches like Rex Ryan and Pete Carroll would occasionally drop in on his meetings, a situation he knows can feel intrusive, even when it’s necessary.

“You don’t like it. You kind of take it a little, myself personally, I took it personal,” the coach recalled his time as the offensive coordinator of the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks.

However, the coach shared that the Cowboys’ DC has been more cooperative than ever in his involvement in the meetings. “Flus hasn’t been like that at all,” he said. And he’s been very open to some of the thoughts.”

He further explained that as a head coach, he doesn’t wish to “get in the way.” “It’s to offer my expertise on what I see and how I would attack them and things like that,” Schottenheimer clarified the reason behind his interference.

Schottenheimer sat in on defensive meetings during his 2022 stint as a Cowboys consultant. Now, with the defense ranked 31st in both points and yards allowed, he’s doing it again, but this time as the man in charge.

And coach Eberflus understands it. He called his help “beneficial.” “You get his insight,” he said. “Not only in that meeting, a defensive meeting or a unit meeting, but also just talking in the office together. I think that’s really important to soak that in.”

While the Cowboys bury themselves in meetings and schemes, the rest of the NFL world is watching closely to see if the Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, has one more move up his sleeve before the trade deadline. The team has already brushed off the idea of pursuing Raiders star Maxx Crosby, insisting they don’t need an edge rusher.

Stephen Jones hasn’t closed the door on adding help as he doubled down on his faith in his defense coordinator.

Stephen Jones clarifies his stance on Matt Eberflus’ position on the team

With the defense performing terribly in most games this season, questions arose over whether the team would fire coach Eberflus. However, Jones clarified that he has faith in the coach’s skills and knowledge.

“Coach Eberflus has been a high-end coach,” Jones said on 105.3 The FAN. “He was a really top coordinator throughout his stay in Indianapolis, where it got him the head job in the NFL, which we all know is difficult. And then he had really good defenses in Chicago.”

He further proclaimed, “Right now, he’s not satisfied with where we are. We all have to be better, as a team, all our players, all our coaches, all our executives, all ownership, everybody needs to look in the mirror and see where they can be better.”

So, it seems Coach Eberflus’ position is fixed on the team. However, he may get some help if Jerry Jones adds a new player to the roster. For potential trades, Jones admitted that any move would likely focus on improving the defense. The Cleveland Browns‘ standout Myles Garrett’s name is now making the rounds in league circles.

Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, edge Jaelan Phillips, and linebacker Bradley Chubb are some of the notable names the Cowboys can consider targeting this season. Several names have surfaced in the rumor mill. But as of now, nothing is confirmed.