Chicago Bears getting ‘really smart coach’ in Matt Eberflus, NFL sources say

The Chicago Bears’ hiring of Matt Eberflus as head coach leaves behind a significant void with the Indianapolis Colts

The Chicago Bears became the second team to make a head coaching hire this offseason, tabbing former Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus as Matt Nagy’s successor, a move that leaves a significant void in Indianapolis.

“I Think it’s a great fit for Matt,” Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin tells FanSided. “He was definitely a big part of my development as a player and created the culture we carry as a defense in Indy. Happy for him I think he’ll do great.”

Eberflus, 51, arrives as a first-time head coach and the first hire of Bears new general manager Ryan Poles. He’ll be tasked with turning around one of the NFL’s crown jewel franchises that has fallen on hard times in recent years, and overseeing the development of quarterback Justin Fields.

“He’s a really smart coach,” an individual who has worked alongside Eberflus for several years tells FanSided. “The thing that really separates him from other coaches is he’s a really good teacher.”

Bears must develop Justin Fields

Now that the Bears have settled on Eberflus, who has a strong defensive background, the most important hire Poles and Eberflus will make is Chicago’s next offensive coordinator.

“I’ve heard great things about Matt,” an NFC Personnel Executive tells FanSided. “But, who they hire to work with [Justin] Fields is absolutely paramount now.”

The Bears are coming off a brutal stretch, firing former head coach Matt Nagy following a 6-11 2021 campaign and only finishing above .500 once since 2013.

Those who know Eberflus say that he has the perfect temperament to be part of a rebuild, and maybe even a quick turnaround.

“The thing about Matt is he preaches team defense and getting 11 hats on the ball on every single snap,” the individual says. “He’s going to run really intense practices, but at the end of the day, I think players will buy in because he’s such a good dude.”

Under Eberflus’ tutelage, the Colts’ defense finished 16th in total defense this season, but held opponents to 21.3 points per game, the ninth-lowest total in the league.

However, Eberflus is going to need to answer for the Colts allowing 318 yards to Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars with a trip to the NFL Playoffs on the line for the Colts in a 26-11 loss in the season finale.

Eberflus arrives in Chicago where a defense loaded with talent at all three levels awaits, with Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith combined for 27.5 sacks last season as Quinn set the franchise record with 18.5.