The Chicago Bears fired their head coach after a Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions and a 4-8 record, and a few months later, Matt Eberflus is working on getting his next job. On Saturday, the Atlanta Falcons completed an interview with former head coach for their vacant defensive coordinator position, the team announced.
Eberflus took over as head coach of the Bears in 2022, and although they improved from 3-14 to 7-10 in 2023, this season has been filled with questionable decisions, questionable time management and more another losing record. He finished his time in Chicago with a 14-32 record after three seasons.
The Falcons fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake earlier this offseason after just one year on the job. The team also let defensive line coach Jay Rodgers go. They went 8-9 this season and their defense struggled throughout the year, leading head coach Raheem Morris and the front office to make the decision to make changes . The Falcons defense allowed the second-most touchdown passes (34), highest quarterback completion percentage (69.9 percent) and had the second-fewest sacks (31) and quarterback pressure percentage (28.1 percent).
The Falcons have interviewed seven candidates for the vacant position so far, including Eberflus. Others interviewed include New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, Michigan defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale, former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and former 49ers DC from San Francisco Steve Wilks.
Before joining the Bears, Eberflus served as defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2021. During his four years in Indy, the team was among the top 10 in turnovers forced each season and had a run defense still solid. Eberflus also has experience in DC with Missouri.
Eberflus has not yet interviewed for any head coaching vacancies.
