Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has once again demonstrated his ultimate authority over the American football franchise, making headlines with a bizarre political quip following a significant coaching change.
Eberflus Out After Defensive Disaster
The Cowboys have parted ways with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after a dismal season that saw the team miss the playoffs entirely. The decision came as the Dallas defence finished the regular season ranked as one of the league's very worst.
The unit ended the campaign dead last in both pass defence and scoring defence. They were the only NFL team to surrender an average of over 250 passing yards per game and the solitary side to give up a staggering 30 points per contest on average.
Jones's Authoritarian Venezuela Joke
During a Wednesday press conference, Jones was questioned about how much input head coach Brian Schottenheimer would have in selecting Eberflus's replacement. In a peculiar response, Jones referenced the Trump administration's operations in South America.
"Trump just said it. I'm running Venezuela. Seriously," Jones declared, prompting laughter in the press room. He swiftly clarified that Schottenheimer, now entering his second year as head coach, would indeed have a say in the new hire.
"Schotty had everything to do with hiring Matt Eberflus last time, and that's not done as a negative ... No way in the world he's here if Schotty didn't want him here," Jones stated emphatically.
Looking Ahead to the NFL Draft
The focus for the Cowboys now shifts to rebuilding a broken defence and capitalising on a promising position in the upcoming NFL Draft. Dallas holds two first-round picks: their own selection at 12th overall and the Green Bay Packers' pick, which could be as high as 19th.
Jones maintained that the final decision on the new defensive coordinator would involve collaboration, mentioning his son and team CEO, Stephen Jones. However, his flippant Venezuela remark has reinforced the widespread perception that the billionaire owner retains the final, authoritarian word on all major decisions at AT&T Stadium.
