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Former Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus a candidate for NFL job: Report

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jan 11, 2025 10:36 AM ET

In January of 2022, newly named Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles chose to hire Matt Eberflus away from his job as defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts after the 2021 season. Following two consecutive losses to kill their playoff hopes, the Colts were discussing firing Eberflus in that offseason.

Fortunately for Indianapolis GM Chris Ballard, Poles took Eberflus off their hands to give him a promotion in Chicago before the Colts had to demote him.

Matt Eberflus won 14 games with the Chicago Bears

Eberflus would oversee the Bears tear down and rebuilding season in 2022 and Justin Fields downfall in 2023. After Thanksgiving, Chicago decided they saw enough after Eberflus managed to win just 14 total games in three seasons.

Eberflus defenses were middle of the pack in Indianapolis. It’s unclear if he would have immediately received another DC job or returned to coaching linebackers. With the title head coach on his resume, he doesn’t appear to be heading back to the role of being a position coach.

The Cincinnati Bengals are interested in Eberflus

Per ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler, the Cincinnati Bengals are interested in Eberflus, a native of Toledo, Ohio. He’s expected to receive a look from other teams this offseason.

“Former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus is involved in the Bengals defensive coordinator search, per sources,” Fowler wrote on X. “Eberflus, fired by Chicago on Nov. 29, should be in the coordinator mix league-wide as the carousel spins.”

Former #Bears head coach Matt Eberflus is involved in the #Bengals defensive coordinator search, per sources.

Eberflus, fired by Chicago on Nov. 29, should be in the coordinator mix league-wide as the carousel spins. pic.twitter.com/oTkCz9lEi2

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 11, 2025

Eberflus always seemed more suited as a defensive coordinator rather than head coach in Chicago–except when calling situational defenses.

The Bengals would be an intriguing opportunity for Eberflus.

Cincinnati has one of the more explosive offenses in the league. The reason the Bengals are at home in January is because they didn’t have a defense that could complement quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

Maybe Eberflus can find redemption in his home state.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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