The San Francisco 49ers are bolstering their defensive staff by hiring former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus as assistant head coach with a primary focus on defense.
The move comes after defensive coordinator Robert Saleh departed to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, taking his trusted assistant Gus Bradley with him to serve as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator.
With Saleh and Bradley both gone, the 49ers are turning to Eberflus—a coach widely respected for his defensive acumen despite recent head-coaching struggles—to help stabilize and elevate the unit.
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
San Francisco 49ers Hire Matt Eberflus as Assistant Head Coach/Defense
Matt Eberflus earned his reputation as a defensive mastermind during his four-year stint as the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.
The Colts ranked 30th in scoring defense (25.3 points per game) the year before he arrived; in his first season, they jumped to 10th (21.5 PPG allowed), and over the next three years, the unit finished 10th or better in scoring defense twice. That success directly led to his promotion to head coach of the Chicago Bears in 2022.
Eberflus’ three seasons in Chicago (2022–2024) produced a disappointing 14-32 record, resulting in his firing.
He then joined the Dallas Cowboys as defensive coordinator for the 2025 season, but the unit collapsed, allowing a league-worst 30.1 points per game and leading to his dismissal after just one year. Despite those setbacks, Eberflus remains viewed as a strong defensive mind across the league.
Why the San Francisco 49ers Are Bringing in Matt Eberflus
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on the field during pregame at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on the field during pregame at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
The 49ers defense, once one of the NFL’s most feared units, needs fresh leadership and new ideas after losing Saleh and Bradley. Eberflus brings extensive experience in scheme design, player development, and situational football—particularly in zone coverage and pressure packages—that could complement the talent already on San Francisco’s roster. His time in Indianapolis proved he can orchestrate a dramatic defensive turnaround, which is exactly what the 49ers hope to replicate as they aim to reclaim dominance in the NFC West.
This hire also reflects the 49ers’ willingness to look beyond recent head-coaching failures and focus on proven coordinators who have succeeded in the past. Eberflus’ familiarity with modern defensive concepts and his ability to teach complex schemes make him a logical choice to help bridge the gap left by Saleh’s departure.
What This Means for the San Francisco 49ers Defense Moving Forward
With Matt Eberflus now on board, the 49ers can begin installing their defensive vision for the 2026 season. The team retains elite talent across the front seven and secondary, but must address inconsistencies in pass rush and coverage that surfaced in 2025. Eberflus’ track record suggests he can help maximize that talent and restore the intimidating identity that defined San Francisco’s recent playoff runs.
The move marks a significant step in the 49ers’ offseason plan to rebuild and reload on the defensive side of the ball.
Stay tuned for more on Matt Eberflus’ role with the San Francisco 49ers, defensive scheme updates, roster moves, and all the latest NFL offseason news.
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