The San Francisco 49ers have hired Matt Eberflus as their assistant head coach of defense, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Eberflus was the defensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 through 2021. He was the Chicago Bears head coach from 2022 through 2024, before serving as the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator last season.
After having Gus Bradley in the building in what was likely a similar role last season, Eberflus will oversee the 49ers’ defense alongside Raheem Morris.
Looking at the cumulative statistics from 2018 through 2021, the Colts were 12th in EPA per play and 18th in defensive success rate. The Bears were 29th in EPA per play and 26th in success rate under Eberflus. This past season, Dallas finished 32nd and 31st in EPA per play and success rate.
Ebeflus did not have a great reputation during his tenure with the Bears. Their 14-game losing streak was a franchise record. He became the first head coach in Bears’ history to be fired mid-season.
To me, this is a sign that the 49ers are looking to improve their linebacker play. That’s his strong suit and where Eberflus made his hay as a position coach. Dallas saw their best linebacker play with Ebeflus as its linebackers coach. He helped develop players and had multiple Pro Bowlers at the position during his first stint with the Cowboys.
During his time with the Colts, Shaquille Leonard was a three-time first-team All-Pro. The proof is in the pudding for Eberflus in that regard.
The team just spent a third-round pick on Nick Martin. Dee Winters has one more year on his contract. The position could be in limbo, making it a crucial offseason to determine whether the answer on the roster is next to Fred Warner.
Eberflus’s defenses also value an interior pass rusher. So, the 49ers might be on the hunt for a 3-technique this offseason if Eberflus has any say in the matter.
