Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan has never been one to shy away from bold takes, something that he proved once again on Sunday while delivering a message to Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
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"I mean, if he wants to get a better view of the game, buy a ticket," Ryan said during ESPN's pre-game show on Sunday while wearing a "Tree Rex" holiday sweater. .
This comment focused on an interesting decision from the defensive coordinator. Eberflus moved away from the sidelines and up to the booth for Sunday's game against the Chargers and then games against the Giants and Commanders to close out the season.
"If [Matt Eberflus] wants to get a better view of the game, buy a ticket." 😳
—Rex Ryan reacts to Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus moving to the booth from the field to call plays 🏈 pic.twitter.com/cJFNN3APfa
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 21, 2025
According to the Cowboys, Eberflus and head coach Brian Schottenheimer had discussed this possibility throughout the season but waited until this week to make the move. The defensive coordinator said that this move would give him "good perspective."
Ryan strongly disagreed with Eberflus' decision for multiple reasons, which he explained fully during ESPN's pre-game show.
"I can't stand those guys that go upstairs," Ryan said. "Here's what it tells me — he wants to get out of the heat. There's heat right there from the fanbase that are calling for his head, and the players, and all those types of things.
"The thing is, the (defensive) coordinator needs to be on the field. Why? Because I gotta see you eye to eye. I gotta sit back and say... 'How do you feel about covering this dude man to man?' I gotta make adjustments. Who the hell is going to do it?"
Ryan continued and said that there would be no communication with Eberflus moving up to the booth. He wouldn't be able to gather his players around him and discuss pivotal third-down plays or other big moments.
The Cowboys' website noted that Eberflus would remain in contact with the position coaches throughout the game and that defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton would deliver messages to the players.
The first game with Eberflus in the booth did not play out particularly well for the Cowboys. The NFC East team lost to the Chargers 34-17 while allowing 452 total yards. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, in particular, completed 79% of his passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns.
