In the high-stakes world of the NFL, few names spark as much debate recently as Matt Eberflus. Whether you are a die-hard Chicago Bears fan or a Dallas Cowboys supporter, you likely have an opinion on his “HITS” principle. From his early days at Toledo to the intense pressure of being a head coach, Eberflus has seen it all.
Today, we are diving deep into his journey. We will look at his coaching history, the teams he has led, and where he stands today in 2026. If you want to know about his salary or why things ended the way they did in Dallas and Chicago, you are in the right place.
Who is Matt Eberflus?
Matt Eberflus is a veteran football coach known for his intense defensive mind. He grew up in Toledo and played linebacker with incredible passion. People who knew him back then say he wasn’t just talented; he was a leader. This leadership eventually took him from the college sidelines all the way to the top of the NFL.
Matt Eberflus Coaching History: Where It Started
The Matt Eberflus coaching history began at his alma mater, the University of Toledo. He spent nearly a decade there, learning the ropes under legendary coaches like Nick Saban and Gary Pinkel. He later followed Pinkel to Missouri, where he turned their defense into a powerhouse in the Big 12. These early years were vital. They taught him how to develop young players into stars.
Breaking into the NFL with the Browns and Cowboys
In 2009, the NFL came calling. Eberflus joined the Cleveland Browns as a linebackers coach. Shortly after, he moved to the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent seven seasons (2011–2017). During this first stint in Dallas, he became a respected name in the league. He worked closely with the linebackers and eventually became the passing game coordinator.
The Indianapolis Colts Success
If you want to see the best of Eberflus, look at his time with the Indianapolis Colts. From 2018 to 2021, he served as the defensive coordinator. He took a unit that was ranked near the bottom and turned them into a top-10 defense. His focus on “HITS” led to a team that was fast, disciplined, and great at taking the ball away.
Matt Eberflus
Assistant Head Coach / Defense
| Current Team | San Francisco 49ers (2026) |
| Former HC Role | Chicago Bears (2022–2024) |
| Date of Birth | May 17, 1970 (Age: 55) |
| Hometown | Toledo, Ohio, U.S. |
| College | University of Toledo |
| Playing Career | Linebacker (Toledo Rockets) |
| Coaching Philosophy | H.I.T.S. Principle |
| Notable Stints | Cowboys, Colts, Bears, 49ers |
| Career Highlights | Toledo Hall of Fame (2004) |
Matt Eberflus Teams Coached: The Head Coaching Era
In 2022, the Chicago Bears hired Eberflus as their head coach. This was a massive step. He was tasked with building a new culture around a young quarterback. However, being a head coach is a different beast. While his defense showed flashes of greatness, the overall team results were tough. He finished his tenure in Chicago with a 14–32 record.
Was Matt Eberflus Fired?
Many fans ask, “Was Matt Eberflus fired?” The answer is yes, and it happened twice in a short span. First, the Bears let him go mid-season in 2024 after a tough loss on Thanksgiving. Then, he returned to the Dallas Cowboys in 2025 as their defensive coordinator. Unfortunately, the defense struggled significantly, leading to him being fired by the Cowboys in January 2026.
The Connection to the Dallas Cowboys
The Matt Eberflus Cowboys relationship has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He was a hero during his first stay as a position coach. However, his return as a coordinator in 2025 didn’t go as planned. The defense allowed high points, and the team missed the playoffs. This led Jerry Jones to make a change, looking for a new direction for the 2026 season.
Where is He Now? Joining the 49ers
Even after a tough exit from Dallas, Eberflus didn’t stay unemployed for long. In March 2026, the San Francisco 49ers hired him as an assistant head coach for defense. He is now working under Kyle Shanahan and Raheem Morris. It is a great spot for him to get back to his roots and focus on what he does best: coaching elite defense.
Matt Eberflus Salary and Contract
Talking about Matt Eberflus salary can be complex because of his different roles. As the Bears head coach, his contract was estimated at around $4.5 million per year. When he moved to the Cowboys and now the 49ers, his pay adjusted to the coordinator and assistant level. While not at the top of the head coach pay scale anymore, he remains one of the well-paid defensive minds in the league.
The Future for Matt Eberflus
Despite the recent setbacks, Eberflus is only 55 years old. In NFL terms, that is still young for a coach. By joining a winning organization like the 49ers, he has a chance to rebuild his reputation. If the San Francisco defense excels in 2026, don’t be surprised if you see his name in head coaching rumors again in a few years.
FAQs
1. What teams has Matt Eberflus coached for?
He has coached for the Toledo Rockets, Missouri Tigers, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys (two stints), Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and currently the San Francisco 49ers.
2. Why was Matt Eberflus fired from the Bears?
The Bears fired him in late 2024 following a 14–32 record and struggles with late-game management, specifically after a loss to the Lions.
3. What is the HITS principle?
It stands for Hustle, Intensity, Takeaways, and Smart play. It is the core philosophy Eberflus uses to grade his players.
4. What is Matt Eberflus’ net worth?
While exact figures are private, his career earnings from multi-million dollar NFL contracts suggest a net worth in the range of $10 million to $15 million.
5. Is Matt Eberflus still with the Cowboys?
No. He was the defensive coordinator for the 2025 season but was released in January 2026. He is now with the 49ers.
6. Where did Matt Eberflus go to college?
He attended the University of Toledo, where he was a standout linebacker and eventually began his coaching career.
Conclusion
The career of Matt Eberflus is a perfect example of the “grind” in professional football. He has reached the highest highs and faced the sting of being let go. Yet, his move to the 49ers shows that his defensive expertise is still highly valued. Whether you love his style or not, there is no denying his impact on the game.
