Matt Eberflus, the former defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts, who was named the head coach of the Chicago Bears in 2022, has now made a notable return to the NFL as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. His move to the Cowboys is, in part, a redemption arc, following his turbulent tenure with the Bears that ended in disappointment. This return to a prominent role has raised many questions and sparks debates among fans and analysts alike: can Eberflus regain his previous form as a respected defensive mind? Or was his stint with the Bears a sign that his approach is flawed for the modern NFL?
The Rise of Matt Eberflus: From Coordinator to Head Coach
Matt Eberflus’s career began with a strong foundation as a defensive coordinator. He first rose to national prominence as the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2021. During his time in Indianapolis, Eberflus was credited with turning around a struggling Colts defense. Under his guidance, the team adopted a physical, ball-hawking style, creating turnovers at a remarkable rate while maintaining a disciplined, gap-sound approach to defense.
His efforts did not go unnoticed. In fact, his success with the Colts earned him several head coaching interviews in the 2022 offseason. The Chicago Bears, a franchise in desperate need of a rebuild, ultimately decided to hire Eberflus as their new head coach. He replaced Matt Nagy, whose tenure had been marked by offensive struggles and an inability to bring the team to the next level. For Bears fans, Eberflus’s hiring was seen as a beacon of hope, with hopes that he could restore the team’s defensive identity and build a long-term winner.
The Chicago Bears: A Disastrous Tenure
Unfortunately, Eberflus’s tenure with the Bears was far less successful than many had hoped. While the team had some promising moments, the larger picture was filled with frustration. In his two seasons as head coach (2022-2023), Eberflus struggled with both offensive and defensive issues, a deadly combination that led to underwhelming results. Although he was initially hired with the goal of improving the Bears’ defense, the results were mixed at best.
Defensive Struggles
Despite Eberflus’s reputation as a defensive mastermind, the Bears’ defense remained inconsistent throughout his tenure. In 2022, the Bears’ defense ranked 29th in total yards allowed and 23rd in points allowed per game. They struggled in virtually every category, with a particularly weak pass rush and a porous secondary that allowed big plays downfield. These issues were compounded by a lack of depth and the absence of a game-changing defensive player—something Eberflus had been accustomed to during his time in Indianapolis with players like Darius Leonard (now Shaquille Leonard) and DeForest Buckner.
The Bears’ inability to create turnovers and stop opposing offenses was an Achilles’ heel that was difficult to overcome, especially with an offense that had yet to find its footing. Although the team’s front office had made some attempts to upgrade the defensive roster, it was clear that Eberflus was unable to get the most out of the talent at his disposal.
Offensive Woes
In addition to the defensive issues, Eberflus’s time in Chicago was marred by offensive struggles. His offense was expected to make strides after the Bears traded up to select quarterback Justin Fields in the 2021 draft. However, Fields faced growing pains throughout his early years in the NFL, and the coaching staff’s inability to properly develop him was a point of contention. Fields’s growth was stunted by poor offensive line play, a lack of skilled receivers, and questionable play-calling. While Eberflus was not directly responsible for the offense, his failure to assemble a competent coaching staff to support Fields left many wondering whether he was equipped to lead a team to success.
The Bears finished with a 3-14 record in 2022, and although the team showed slight improvement in 2023, they failed to make a real impact. The defense never truly came together as a dominant unit, and the offense continued to struggle. By the end of the 2023 season, it was clear that the Eberflus experiment had failed, and the Bears parted ways with him. Fans and analysts pointed to a lack of defensive innovation, poor player development, and an inability to adapt to changing NFL trends as key reasons for his downfall.
The Return to Dallas: A Second Chance
After his firing from the Bears, Eberflus’s future in the NFL seemed uncertain. However, the Dallas Cowboys came calling. With the Cowboys’ defense having already established itself as one of the NFL’s best under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, many wondered what Eberflus’s role in Dallas could be. Would he serve as a complementary voice in an already strong defensive system, or was this a second chance for him to prove that he could still be a force in the league?
Eberflus’s return to Dallas is interesting for several reasons. First and foremost, the Cowboys are a team with one of the most aggressive and opportunistic defenses in the NFL. Led by linebacker Micah Parsons, the defense thrives on creating pressure up front and generating turnovers. The defense has been a major strength for the Cowboys in recent years, and Quinn’s leadership has made them one of the top units in the NFL. The question now is whether Eberflus will be able to adapt to a system that is already working at a high level and contribute positively to the defense.
What Can Eberflus Bring to the Cowboys?
Despite his disappointing stint in Chicago, it’s important to recognize that Matt Eberflus is still a talented defensive coach. He has a deep understanding of defensive concepts and has a track record of developing strong defenses. His time with the Colts showed that he is capable of building a unit that is disciplined, aggressive, and creates turnovers. Given that the Cowboys already have a solid foundation in place, Eberflus’s job will be to complement Dan Quinn’s work and help the defense take the next step.
There are a few areas where Eberflus’s expertise could be particularly valuable for the Cowboys:
- Defensive Fundamentals: Eberflus is known for emphasizing the importance of fundamentals, including tackling, positioning, and understanding opposing offenses. This can be crucial in ensuring that a defense doesn’t just rely on flashy plays but also executes the basics well. His attention to detail could help ensure that the Cowboys remain one of the league’s best defenses.
- Player Development: While the Cowboys have many standout players, including Parsons and cornerback Trevon Diggs, there is always room for improvement. Eberflus has a reputation for developing young players and helping them reach their full potential. His coaching could be key in unlocking further growth from players like defensive lineman Sam Williams or linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.
- Turnover Creation: Eberflus has a history of designing defenses that create turnovers. His Colts teams were known for forcing fumbles and intercepting passes, and this could help the Cowboys take the ball away even more often. With the talent already on the roster, adding this element of turnover creation could elevate the defense to another level.
- Scheme Integration: One of the challenges for Eberflus in Dallas will be integrating his own philosophies into a defense that already has an established system. It’s crucial that Eberflus doesn’t try to overhaul everything but instead finds ways to complement Quinn’s existing strategies. If he can bring in new ideas that work seamlessly with Quinn’s approach, the defense could become even more formidable.
Challenges Ahead
However, Eberflus’s return to Dallas isn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles will be managing the expectations that come with working for a team as high-profile as the Cowboys. The Cowboys’ defense is already one of the best in the NFL, and Eberflus will have to prove that he can add value without disrupting the existing chemistry of the unit. Additionally, he will have to learn from his past mistakes and ensure that he doesn’t make the same errors that plagued his tenure with the Bears.
The Redemption Story
Matt Eberflus’s return to Dallas could very well be a redemption story. While his time with the Bears was disappointing, he is still viewed as a capable defensive mind with the potential to make a significant impact. If he can help elevate an already stellar Cowboys defense and add new dimensions to their game, Eberflus could repair his reputation and show that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.
Ultimately, Eberflus’s future in Dallas will hinge on his ability to adapt, learn from his previous experiences, and contribute to a defense that is already elite. If he succeeds, he could prove that his time in Chicago was merely a setback, and his return to prominence in the NFL could be a story of resilience and growth. Whether or not Eberflus can achieve this remains to be seen, but the Cowboys’ defense and their fans will certainly be watching closely as the next chapter of his career unfolds.
