50 Facts About Matt Eberflus

Early Life and Education

Matt Eberflus' journey to becoming the head coach of the Chicago Bears began in Toledo, Ohio. His early years and education laid the foundation for his future in football.

1. Matthew Charles Eberflus was born on May 17, 1970, in Toledo, Ohio.
2. He grew up with a passion for football, which would eventually become his career.
3. Eberflus earned his degree in education from the University of Toledo in 1993.

College Football Career

Eberflus' time at the University of Toledo was marked by impressive achievements on the field. His performance as a linebacker set the stage for his coaching career.

4. Eberflus was a four-year letterman and a three-year starting linebacker at the University of Toledo from 1988 to 1991.
5. He earned First Team All-MAC honors as a junior and again as a senior.
6. Eberflus led the team in tackles both his junior and senior years.

College Achievements

His college career was not just about personal accolades; Eberflus also contributed significantly to his team's success.

7. As a junior, Eberflus helped lead the Rockets to a 9–2 record and a MAC co-championship.
8. In his senior year, he was chosen for the Nicholson Award as the team's Most Valuable Player.
9. His 21 tackles against Northern Illinois University in 1991 ranks as the fifth-best performance by a Toledo player in a single game in school history.

Coaching Career

Eberflus' coaching career spans over three decades, with roles in both college and professional football.

10. He began his coaching career as a linebacker coach for the Cleveland Browns.
11. Eberflus later moved to the Dallas Cowboys, where he continued to develop his coaching skills.
12. He also coached at Toledo and Missouri before becoming the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2021.

Defensive Coordinator Role

Eberflus' time as a defensive coordinator showcased his ability to transform and improve defensive units.

13. During his tenure with the Colts, he transitioned the team from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 scheme.
14. This change significantly improved the team's defensive performance.
15. Under his guidance, the Colts' linebackers became one of the most formidable units in the league.

Move to Chicago Bears

In 2022, Eberflus took on a new challenge as the head coach of the Chicago Bears.

16. Eberflus was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears in 2022.
17. He took over a team that had just finished a 3-14 season.
18. His first season with the Bears was marked by significant challenges and struggles.

First Season Challenges

Eberflus faced numerous obstacles in his debut season with the Bears, from inconsistent performances to defensive issues.

19. The team struggled to find consistency throughout the season.
20. The defense, which was expected to be a strength, faltered at times.
21. Despite these challenges, Eberflus remained optimistic about the team's future.

Relationship with Justin Fields

One of the most critical aspects of Eberflus' tenure has been his relationship with quarterback Justin Fields.

22. There have been rumors that Eberflus did not trust Fields, leading to some questionable decisions in the fourth quarter of games.
23. Eberflus has maintained that he has grown his relationship with Fields and believes in his abilities.
24. This relationship is crucial for the team's success moving forward.

Playcalling Duties

In 2023, Eberflus took on additional responsibilities to improve the team's performance.

25. Eberflus took over playcalling duties in 2023.
26. This change significantly improved the team's defense.
27. The Bears' defense transformed from a laughing stock to a top unit.

Seasonal Improvement

Despite initial struggles, the Bears showed signs of improvement under Eberflus' leadership.

28. The Bears finished the 2023 season with a 7-10 record.
29. This was a marked improvement from the previous year's 3-14 finish.
30. Eberflus' defensive strategies and the team's ability to capitalize on turnovers contributed to this improvement.

Fourth-Quarter Issues

However, the Bears still faced challenges in closing out games, raising questions about Eberflus' decision-making.

31. The Bears lost three games where they held a double-digit lead.
32. This has raised questions about Eberflus' decision-making and his ability to close out games.
33. Critics have accused Eberflus of being overly conservative, particularly in the fourth quarter.

Job Security

Rumors about Eberflus' job security have been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts.

34. There have been rumors that Eberflus might be on the hot seat.
35. Recent information suggests that he has a longer leash than initially thought.
36. His defensive improvements and the team's overall performance have contributed to this perception.

Caleb Williams and Future Plans

The Bears' draft decisions have sparked hope for the future, particularly with the addition of a new quarterback.

37. The Bears drafted Caleb Williams, a quarterback known for avoiding turnovers.
38. This move has sparked hope that Eberflus might receive vindication.
39. If Williams can reduce turnovers and help the team win more games, Eberflus' tenure might be viewed more favorably.

Defensive Surge

Despite criticisms, the Bears' defense showed significant improvement in the second half of the 2023 season.

40. The Bears' defense showed a significant surge in the second half of the 2023 season.
41. This improvement has been attributed to Eberflus' strategic adjustments.
42. His ability to put players in positions to succeed has been a key factor in this defensive surge.

Offensive Struggles

While the defense improved, the Bears' offense continued to struggle under Eberflus' leadership.

43. The Bears' offense has struggled, with many attributing this to the incompetent offensive staff Eberflus hired.
44. The team has had two horrible offensive seasons, significantly impacting their overall performance.
45. Eberflus has been criticized for his staff choices, particularly the hiring of Alan Williams as defensive coordinator and David Walker as running back coach.

Win-Loss Record

Eberflus' win-loss record with the Bears is one of the worst in franchise history.

46. Eberflus has a 5-21 record with the Bears.
47. This translates to a .192 winning percentage, the worst in franchise history.
48. It is also the ninth-worst in NFL history for coaches who have coached at least 25 games.

One-Score Games

Eberflus has struggled in one-score games, which are crucial for determining the outcome of a season.

49. Eberflus has a 1-9 record in one-score games.
50. This is particularly concerning given the importance of these games in determining the outcome of a season.

Eberflus' Future with the Bears

Matt Eberflus has had a rollercoaster ride with the Chicago Bears. His defensive expertise shines, but his overall record and decision-making have raised eyebrows. The Bears' defense improved under his watch, yet offensive struggles and fourth-quarter issues persist. Fans are frustrated, and rumors about his job security swirl. Despite a few bright spots, like the late-season defensive surge, Eberflus' conservative approach and staff choices have been heavily criticized. The team's draft capital and cap space offer hope, but many believe a fresh start with a new coach is needed. Whether Eberflus can turn things around with a new quarterback or if the Bears will move on remains to be seen. One thing's clear: significant changes are needed for the Bears to find success.