Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus Vows to Make Bears Regret Firing in Week 3

Frisco, TX – September 19, 2025

As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for a pivotal Week 3 showdown against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is ready to face his former team with a point to prove. Fired by the Bears after a six-game losing streak culminated in a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Detroit Lions in 2024, Eberflus has found a new home in Dallas, replacing Mike Zimmer as part of the Cowboys’ coaching overhaul. Now, he’s determined to show Chicago what they’re missing.

In a press conference at The Star on Thursday, Eberflus opened up about returning to Soldier Field, where he once led the Bears as head coach. Reflecting on his tenure, he said, “I really cherished the whole time I was there and the entire coaching experience at Bears. But now we’re on opposite sides of the battlefield, and all I can do is wish them luck—while making sure they score as little as possible.”

Eberflus’ words carry a quiet intensity, signaling his intent to unleash a relentless Cowboys defense against his former team. The Bears, struggling at 0-2 after a collapse against the Minnesota Vikings and a 52-point drubbing by the Detroit Lions, are desperate to turn their season around with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. Meanwhile, the Cowboys, sitting at 1-1 after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and a high-scoring win over the New York Giants, are looking to solidify their defensive identity without former star Micah Parsons.

Eberflus’ challenge is clear: rein in a Bears offense led by Williams, whom he coached during his rookie year, and prove that Chicago made a mistake in letting him go. The Cowboys’ defense, which allowed 37 points to Russell Wilson and the Giants in Week 2, needs a bounce-back performance, and Eberflus sees this matchup as the perfect opportunity.

“Facing Caleb again is special,” Eberflus added. “He’s working through his second-year process, finding the rhythm of that offense. But our job is to disrupt that rhythm and make life tough for him.”

Under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys are banking on Eberflus to steady a defense rocked by Parsons’ departure and recent injuries, including center Cooper Beebe’s placement on short-term injured reserve. A strong showing against the Bears could not only push Dallas above .500 but also cement Eberflus’ reputation as a defensive mastermind.

As the NFL world turns its eyes to this emotionally charged matchup, Eberflus’ return to Chicago is shaping up to be the game’s biggest storyline. For the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, it’s not just about a win—it’s about sending a message to his former team that they’ll regret letting him walk away.