In the NFL, coaching turnover is an inevitable part of the game. The landscape shifts constantly as franchises look for new directions, and coaching changes—whether firings or hirings—are often the most talked-about moves of the offseason. For former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, the 2024 offseason has brought a new chapter in his career. After being dismissed from his role as head coach in Chicago following a disappointing 2023 season, Eberflus is now reportedly being considered as a top candidate for a defensive coordinator position with multiple NFL teams.
Eberflus’s potential return to the NFL as a defensive coordinator raises several interesting questions: What led to his departure from the Bears? Why is he a sought-after candidate for defensive coordinator jobs, and what can we expect from his next role? Let’s take a deeper look into these developments and assess whether Matt Eberflus is poised for a successful second act in the NFL.
### Eberflus’s Head Coaching Tenure with the Chicago Bears
Matt Eberflus was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears in 2022, following a successful tenure as the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts. Eberflus brought a reputation as a hard-nosed, disciplined defensive mind who could develop young talent and build a strong, cohesive defensive unit. His hiring was part of a broader rebuilding strategy for the Bears, who were looking for stability and a fresh approach after several years of underperformance.
Unfortunately for Eberflus and the Bears, his tenure as head coach didn’t live up to expectations. The 2022 season was marked by a lack of overall team success. Despite showing promise with rookie quarterback Justin Fields and flashes of defensive brilliance, the team finished with a 3-14 record, one of the worst in the NFL. Eberflus’s defense, despite boasting some talent, couldn’t overcome the Bears’ offensive struggles. Fields showed potential but faced significant challenges with a lack of surrounding talent and inconsistent play calling.
2023 was more of the same. Although the defense remained Eberflus’s calling card, the Bears were unable to significantly improve, finishing with a disappointing 5-12 record. While Chicago’s defensive line and linebackers showed signs of promise under Eberflus’s tutelage, there was little progress on offense. Fields continued to develop, but without a solid offensive plan or the right personnel, the Bears were unable to put together a competitive team. In the end, Eberflus’s inability to turn around the team’s fortunes led to his dismissal following the 2023 season.
Despite the disappointing results as a head coach, Eberflus’s work as a defensive mind was not overlooked. His ability to craft a defense with limited talent and develop players has remained a key part of his coaching identity. The Bears’ defense wasn’t spectacular, but Eberflus’s systems were generally sound, and his leadership skills were respected by many within the league. It’s this reputation that is now paving the way for his next opportunity as a defensive coordinator.
### Why Matt Eberflus is a Strong Candidate for Defensive Coordinator
While Eberflus’s time as a head coach didn’t work out in Chicago, his pedigree as a defensive coordinator has made him an attractive candidate for teams looking to bolster their defensive units. Let’s break down why Eberflus is generating interest as a top candidate for defensive coordinator positions.
#### 1. **Strong Defensive Track Record**
Before becoming the Bears’ head coach, Matt Eberflus spent several years as the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts (2018–2021). During his time in Indianapolis, Eberflus was widely praised for his ability to get the most out of his players, particularly in terms of creating turnovers and aggressive playmaking. The Colts’ defense under Eberflus was consistently among the league’s most opportunistic units, with a focus on disciplined, fast-paced play.
Eberflus’s defense was built around a 4-3 scheme, emphasizing speed and coverage. His linebackers were particularly well-coached, with players like Darius Leonard (now Shaquille Leonard) thriving in his system. Under his leadership, the Colts defense was known for being opportunistic, ranking among the top units in terms of takeaways. This success in Indianapolis is a large part of why Eberflus was able to secure the Bears’ head coaching position in the first place.
As a defensive coordinator, Eberflus is known for getting the best out of his players, even when they aren’t high-profile names. He’s shown that he can develop talent, maximize the strengths of his personnel, and create a culture of toughness and discipline. For teams looking to improve their defense, these qualities are incredibly valuable.
#### 2. **Experience in Developing Young Talent**
The NFL is a league that values player development, particularly on defense. With more and more teams investing in young, promising players on the defensive side of the ball, the ability to develop that talent is critical. Eberflus has a strong track record in this area. His work in Indianapolis, where he helped develop players like Leonard, Kenny Moore, and others, showcased his ability to work with young, raw talent and transform them into key contributors.
In Chicago, while his team’s overall performance didn’t always reflect it, Eberflus continued to develop a number of players on the defensive side of the ball. Jaquan Brisker, Kyler Gordon, and other young talents gained valuable experience under his system. In a new defensive coordinator role, Eberflus’s ability to bring out the best in young players could be one of the major selling points for teams seeking to build from within.
#### 3. **Proven Leadership and Culture Building**
Though his tenure as head coach didn’t yield many wins, Matt Eberflus has long been regarded as a strong leader in the locker room. Players who worked under him, both in Indianapolis and Chicago, have consistently praised his ability to motivate and guide them. He’s known for creating a disciplined, accountable, and competitive culture, qualities that are always in demand in the NFL.
Teams searching for defensive coordinators are not just looking for someone with Xs and Os knowledge—they’re also looking for someone who can establish a strong unit, inspire confidence, and create a defense that plays together as a cohesive unit. Eberflus’s leadership abilities make him an appealing candidate in that regard.
#### 4. **The Need for Defensive Stability**
As NFL offenses continue to evolve and put up record-breaking numbers, teams are placing a premium on defense. Whether it’s building a dominant front seven or creating a lockdown secondary, defensive-minded coaches are in high demand. Teams that struggled on defense in 2023, or that have a new head coach seeking to implement a new system, may see Eberflus as a solid option to provide immediate defensive stability.
In an era where many head coaches are focused on offensive innovation, defensive coordinators like Eberflus, with a history of success, can bring a much-needed balance to teams looking to improve their overall roster construction.
### Teams Who Could Pursue Eberflus
With multiple NFL teams looking to shake up their coaching staffs, Eberflus’s name has already emerged as a top candidate for defensive coordinator openings. The following teams could be in play:
– **Las Vegas Raiders**: After parting ways with head coach Josh McDaniels, the Raiders are looking for a new direction. With a defense that needs to be restructured, Eberflus could be a solid candidate to help improve the Raiders’ defensive identity.
– **Denver Broncos**: The Broncos are reportedly seeking a defensive coordinator following the firing of Vance Joseph. Given Eberflus’s proven track record and the fact that the Broncos are already strong defensively, he could be a good fit.
– **Arizona Cardinals**: With a new head coach on the horizon, Arizona may look to revamp its defensive side of the ball. Eberflus could be the right candidate to lead that charge.
### Conclusion
Matt Eberflus’s time as head coach of the Chicago Bears may have ended in disappointment, but his reputation as a defensive mind remains strong. His success as a defensive coordinator in Indianapolis and his leadership qualities make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their defense. Eberflus’s next move will likely be as a defensive coordinator, and with multiple teams reportedly eyeing him for that role, his career in the NFL is far from over.
For teams looking to build a tough, disciplined defense that can compete at the highest level, Matt Eberflus could be the ideal choice to lead the charge. His second chance as a defensive coordinator could very well be the beginning of a new chapter of success in his NFL coaching career.