49ers Hire Former Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus for Key Defensive Role

Eberflus joins San Francisco's staff after being let go by the Cowboys last season.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The San Francisco 49ers have added former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus to their coaching staff, hiring him as the team's assistant head coach of defense. Eberflus previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys but was let go after just one season. The 49ers are hoping Eberflus can help bolster their defense, which dealt with several key injuries last year.

Why it matters

The 49ers have been one of the NFL's top defensive teams in recent years, but injuries hampered their unit in 2022. Bringing in an experienced defensive mind like Eberflus could help get the 49ers' defense back on track as they look to make another deep playoff run.

The details

Eberflus was the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys last season, but the team's defense struggled and he was let go at the end of the year. Prior to that, he was the head coach of the Chicago Bears, a tenure that did not go well. In San Francisco, Eberflus will take on a lesser role as the assistant head coach of defense, allowing him to focus on improving the 49ers' unit without the added responsibilities of a head coaching job.

  • Eberflus was fired as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator at the end of the 2022 NFL season.
  • Eberflus was hired by the 49ers as their assistant head coach of defense in March 2023.

The players

Matt Eberflus

A veteran NFL coach who has served as a defensive coordinator and head coach, Eberflus is now joining the 49ers' staff in a key defensive role.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, Shanahan is looking to bolster his coaching staff and improve the team's defense after a injury-plagued 2022 season.

Fred Warner

A star linebacker for the 49ers who missed time due to injury last season, Warner will be looking to return to form with Eberflus joining the coaching staff.

Nick Bosa

The 49ers' star defensive end also missed time due to injury in 2022, and the team is hoping he can stay healthy with Eberflus helping to lead the defense.

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What they’re saying

“The 49ers have hired Matt Eberflus as their assistant head coach of defense, per sources. Eberflus — the former Bears head coach and most recently Cowboys defensive coordinator — fills a key role vacated when Gus Bradley left for Tennessee.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The 49ers will look for Eberflus to quickly integrate into the team's defensive coaching staff and help get the unit back to its previous high level of play, especially with the return of key injured players like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa.

The takeaway

By bringing in an experienced defensive mind like Matt Eberflus, the 49ers are signaling their commitment to improving their defense and returning to the top of the NFL's elite units. Eberflus' track record, combined with the 49ers' talented roster, could make for a potent combination if he can get the defense back on track.