Under Eberflus, the Colts were the only defensive unit in the NFL to rank in the top 10 in scoring, rushing defense and steals in each of the past two seasons. The Colts finished in the top 10 in the NFL in run defense and steals in their four years, top 10 in points allowed in three of the four, and were the least penalized defense in the league in 2019 and 2021. .
“I would like to thank Ryan and the McCaskey family for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead the Chicago Bears, one of the most storied franchises in all of sports in one of the greatest cities in the world,” Eberflus said. . “I am truly humbled and honored to be named their head coach and together we will do everything in our power to bring a Super Bowl championship back to Chicago.”
Inheriting an Indianapolis defense that ranked 30th in the NFL in both scoring and total yards in 2017, Eberflus helped the unit improve to 10th in scoring and 11th in yards in his first year in 2018.
After going 4-12 in 2017, the Colts bounced back to earn a wild-card spot with a 10-6 record in 2018, beating the Texans in the first round of the playoffs before losing to the Chiefs. in a division game.
In 2018, the Colts were one of only three teams not to allow a 100-yard rusher despite facing five of the top 10 running backs in the NFL. Indianapolis’ defense forced at least one turnover in a league-high 15 games, including multiple turnovers in seven contests. The Colts’ defense also forced a turnover in each of their two postseason games.
In 2020, the Colts went 11-5 and made the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. The defense ranked eighth in total yards, their first top-10 finish since 2007, and second against the run, their first top-5 finish since 1971.
In 2021, the Colts were second in the NFL with 33 steals, tied for first with 14 fumble recoveries, and tied for third with 19 interceptions.
With a coaching experience rooted in the linebacker position, Eberflus has helped develop Darius Leonard into one of the best linebackers in the NFL.
Since being selected by the Colts in the second round of the 2018 draft, Leonard has been named a first-team All-Pro three times in four seasons. He was voted the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 after leading the league with 163 tackles. Leonard was selected to his third Pro Bowl in 2021 after leading the NFL with eight forced fumbles. In the process, he became the first player with at least eight forced fumbles and four interceptions in a season in league history.
Eberflus began his NFL career with the Browns as linebackers coach (2009-10). He then spent seven seasons with the Cowboys as linebackers coach (2011-17), while also serving as passing game coordinator in 2016-17.
Before entering the NFL, Eberflus was a college coach for 17 years. He began his career at his alma mater, Toledo, as a student assistant (1992), graduate assistant (1993), outside linebackers coach (1994-98), and defensive backs coach (1999-2000), also served as recruiting coordinator in 1994. -95.
After leaving Toledo, Eberflus spent eight seasons as defensive coordinator at Missouri from 2001-08.
As a player, Eberflus was a four-year letterman and three-year starting linebacker at Toledo. He earned first-team All-MAC honors and led his team in tackles as a junior and senior. Eberflus earned a degree in education in 1993 and was inducted into the Toledo Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.
Eberflus and his wife, Kelly, have two daughters, Grace and Giada.
www.chicagobears.com
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism