The Cowboys ousted defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus this week, a move that was not a surprise given the defensive struggles the team endured this season, and Eberflus’s reputation for inflexibility in altering his system and approach. But defense was not the only unit that struggled for the Cowboys–special teams had a down year, too, calling into question the future of coordinator Nick Sorensen, who, like Eberflus, was in his first year in that role with Dallas.
The Cowboys special teams had some highlights, no doubt, including a 2-point conversion off a blocked PAT that wound up looming large in the Week 4 tie with the Packers, a blocked punt for a touchdown in Week 9 against the Cardinals and an 84-yard kickoff return by KaVontae Turpin in Week 18.
But there were far too many mistakes–especially penalties–in 2025, and the Cowboys were rated No. 22 as a special teams unit by Pro Football Focus, despite having arguably the best kicker in the game, Brandon Aubrey.
Cowboys Special Teams: ‘Nick Sorensen Expected to Remain’
Thus, there has been speculation about Sorensen’s job security. While the Cowboys talked about the special teams role without specifically giving final say on Sorensen’s status, reporters around the team note that he is safe.
Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com, wrote on Twitter/X: “Sounds as if the #Cowboys might stay put there.”
And The Athletic’s Jon Machota added, “It doesn’t sound like there will be a change at special teams coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Nick Sorensen is expected to remain in that role. The Cowboys don’t believe the standard was high enough on special teams in 2025, too many penalties.”
GettyCowboys special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen
Cowboys Worried About Too Many Penalties on Special Teams
Indeed, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer was plain about the need to cut back on the number of special-teams penalties.
“We have to figure out a way to not have penalties,” he said during the Cowboys’ season wrap-up press conference. “The penalties on special teams, I think were 31st in the league. And whether people are seeing the star on the helmet and thinking we hold, but we have to be cleaner. Jerry talked about field position. We are an explosive offense and things like that but we have to be cleaner with our hands, we have to make better decisions full speed.
“As we go through the process, I think you’ll see us make adjustments because the standard is the standard and it was not high enough.”
Nick Sorensen ‘Has Got a Problem’ With Jerry Jones
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones did leave the impression that the decision to keep Sorensen had been made, but he also indicated that he will be closely watched. Jones noted that he was a special-teams star himself in his days playing for Arkansas.
“We like Nick Sorensen obviously, he didn’t have to say it, but we do like Sorensen,” Jones said. “But he’s got a problem with the owner, that is, that was my forte. And I know that if you want it bad enough, you can play special teams. If you damn sure got enough talent to be on defense or offense, you can play special teams and I know you can play special teams without getting penalties.”
Cowboys Expected to Make Decision on Another Coaching Change