Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones created a media stir this week with an unexpected and humorous reference involving former US President Donald Trump and Venezuela. The comment came during a crucial end-of-season press conference focused on the team's search for a new defensive coordinator.
A Season of Defensive Struggles Leads to Change
The backdrop for Jones's remark was a deeply disappointing 2025 campaign for the storied NFL franchise. The Cowboys' defence endured one of its worst statistical seasons ever, allowing the second-highest points per game in the entire league. This collapse led directly to the dismissal of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who spent only a single season in the role.
The numbers were stark. Dallas surrendered a franchise-record 511 points during the regular season, finishing with a 7-9-1 record. This marked the second consecutive year the team failed to qualify for the playoffs, increasing the pressure on the organisation to make significant changes.
"Trump Just Said It. I'm Running Venezuela": Jones's Quip
When journalists asked if head coach Brian Schottenheimer would have the ultimate authority in selecting the next defensive coordinator, Jones took a detour. He quipped, "Trump just said it. I'm running Venezuela." The line prompted laughter from Schottenheimer and the assembled media but quickly became a headline story on its own.
Jones soon clarified his unusual statement. He explained that the hiring decision would not be his alone but rather a collaborative effort involving the team's front office and coaching staff. He emphasised that Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer has a significant voice in the process, as he did during the previous hiring cycle.
A New Hiring Philosophy and Lasting Consequences
Beyond the viral moment, Jones hinted at a potential shift in the Cowboys' traditional hiring strategy. In recent years, the team has shown a preference for defensive coordinators with prior head-coaching experience. Now, Jones indicated the franchise is open to fresh ideas and may consider first-time candidates for the critical role.
The defensive woes were compounded by a major pre-season move: the trade of star pass rusher Micah Parsons before Week 1. Jones defended the decision, citing salary cap flexibility and the acquisition of valuable future draft picks. However, the defence palpably struggled without its best player, adding immense pressure on the incoming coordinator to deliver rapid improvements.
As America's Team navigates a critical offseason, the spotlight remains firmly on its search for a defensive saviour. While Jerry Jones's unconventional style has added an unexpected twist, the ultimate measure of success will be whether it leads to better results on the field in the 2026 NFL season.
