The Dallas Cowboys have released defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after just one season, the team announced in a news release on Tuesday.

According to the Cowboys, the decision was made following Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants.

“Having known Matt Eberflus for decades now, we have tremendous respect and appreciation for him as a coach and a person. After reviewing and discussing the results of our defensive performance this season, though, it was clear that change is needed,” said Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. “This is the first step in that process, and we will continue that review as it applies to reaching our much higher expectations.” 

The organization has been considering the move for weeks following one of the worst statistical showings by the defensive unit in franchise history, the Cowboys said.

This is the second season in a row the Cowboys have not made the playoffs, in large part because their defense allowed more than 500 points for the first time in franchise history.

Eberflus acknowledged the team’s failings entering the Week 18 finale against the Giants.

“I mean, I’m the defensive coordinator,” Eberflus said. “… The accountability is with me.”

This will also mark the fourth time in as many seasons that the Cowboys will assign someone new to the role of defensive coordinator in Dallas.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones also hinted at the possibility of other changes on the defensive coaching staff following Eberflus’s departure.

“I might not couch it as difficult,” Jones said of the possibility of making another change at defensive coordinator. “It’s certainly something that we have to do. And that is to look at the entire year and look at what our options are, and how to correct it so we’re not here at the same time next year. Now, that’s not uncommon to evaluate at this time of the year — your entire coaching staff.

“And, obviously, the target is on him because of our statistical, as well as actual play on the defensive side of the ball, but that goes with it.”