Matt Eberflus Coaching Profile
Matt Eberflus is the current head coach for the Chicago Bears. He has previously operated in coaching positions for the Colts,Cowboys, and Browns. His coaching career highlights include:
- Led Bears to a four-win improvement in his second season (2023)
- Recognized for revitalizing the Bears’ defense and team culture
Matt Eberflus Coaching Record
| Years Active | Record | Win % | Playoff Record | Playoff Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 119-124-0 | 48.97% | 2-4 | 33.33% |
Coaching record is for Matt Eberflus’s time as head coach of the Chicago Bears and as a member of other NFL coaching staffs.
Head coaching record is 10-24 (.294) in total. Regular Season 10-24 (.294), Post Season 0-0 (N/A)
Coaching Tree
Parents
- Jason Garrett
- Eric Mangini
- Frank Reich
Children
(No notable children in his coaching tree as of 2024)
MORE: FULL LIST OF NFL HEAD COACHES
Matt Eberflus Coaching Style
Under Eberflus’s leadership, the Bears have shown significant improvement, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. In 2023, the Bears led the league with least total rushing yards allowed and ranked second in opponent rushing touchdowns. The team’s defense also generated 28 turnovers in their last 15 games of the 2023 season, showcasing Eberflus’s emphasis on creating takeaways.
Matt Eberflus’s coaching approach centers around building a strong defensive culture and fostering player development. His philosophy encompasses several key elements:
- Emphasizing a disciplined, high-energy approach to defense
- Fostering a culture of accountability and competitiveness
- Cultivating a “HITS” principle: Hustle, Intensity, Takeaways, and (playing) Smart
- Focusing on aggressive play and creating turnovers
Eberflus’s coaching style is characterized by his defensive expertise and ability to maximize player potential. His approach focuses on:
- Leveraging his experience as a defensive coordinator to build a formidable defense
- Providing clear, consistent expectations for players
- Utilizing a blend of old-school toughness and modern coaching techniques
- Emphasizing player development and scheme versatility
Eberflus’s ability to develop players is evident in the progression of defensive back Jaylon Johnson, who earned AP All-Pro recognition and his first Pro Bowl nod under Eberflus’s guidance. The midseason acquisition and subsequent improvement of defensive lineman Montez Sweat further demonstrates Eberflus’s skill in maximizing player talent.
This approach aims to create a resilient, defensively-sound team that can compete at a high level, as evidenced by the Bears’ defensive improvements and increased takeaways in the 2023 season.
Matt Eberflus Coaching Tree
Prior to becoming the head coach of the Chicago Bears, Matt Eberflus gained coaching experience under several mentors:
- Served as defensive coordinator under Frank Reich with the Indianapolis Colts
- Worked as linebackers coach and passing game coordinator under Jason Garrett with the Dallas Cowboys
- Served as linebackers coach under Eric Mangini with the Cleveland Browns
READ MORE: HIGHEST PAID NFL HEAD COACHES & HEAD COACH SALARY
Matt Eberflus Football Career Timeline
- University of Toledo (1988-1991): Player (Linebacker)
- University of Toledo (1992-2000):
- Student Assistant Coach (1992)
- Graduate Assistant (1993)
- Outside Linebackers Coach/Recruiting Coordinator (1994-1998)
- Defensive Backs Coach (1999-2000)
- University of Missouri (2001-2008):
- Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach (2001-2005)
- Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach (2006-2008)
- Cleveland Browns (2009-2010):
- Linebackers Coach
- Dallas Cowboys (2011-2017):
- Linebackers Coach (2011-2015)
- Passing Game Coordinator/Linebackers Coach (2016-2017)
- Indianapolis Colts (2018-2021):
- Defensive Coordinator
- Chicago Bears (2022-Present):
- Head Coach
As Eberflus enters his third season with the Bears in 2024, it remains to be seen how his coaching philosophy and methodology will continue to shape the team’s performance and culture. His focus on defensive excellence and player development will be crucial as the Bears aim to become consistent contenders in the NFC North.
