Matt Eberflus has become the 17th head coach in Chicago Bears history. Many are hoping he is the one that can pull the franchise out of the mud it’s been stuck in for the past decade. There is no doubt the hire was a minor surprise. While he was the first candidate to earn a second interview request, most felt he trailed a distant third to Dan Quinn and Jim Caldwell. So when new GM Ryan Poles made the decision, it caught people off guard.
Even inside Halas Hall. Word is the building was split between Caldwell on one side and Quinn on the other. Poles went his own way. The choice is a fascinating one. Eberflus is an unassuming type, often lost in the mix of personalities down in Indianapolis. Yet he’s consistently led one of the best defenses in the NFL for the past four years. So the guy can coach. Bears fans want to know who they’re getting.
Jarrett Payton helped provided an interesting glimpse.
The insider for WGN News got in touch with Colts Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore to ask him about Eberflus. The type of coach, leader, and personality he is. Moore had glowing words to say about the former coordinator. Somebody that helped him achieve the greatest heights of his pro career to date. Yet it was the last line that should really stand out to Bears fans. Something they may have heard before.
I wanted to find out for #Bears fans what kind of man and coach Matt Eberflus is so I texted with #Colts #ProBowl DB @KennyKennyMoe3. Here is what he said…
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) January 27, 2022
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“Hard working first and foremost is a word I think of when Coach Flus comes to mind. I think Chicago deserves someone who indeed loves football like that in particular city does.
(1 of 3) #Bears— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) January 27, 2022
He sees the game for what it is and wants to excel. His passion for the game will be contagious to all the players’ receiving him as a head coach.
(2 of 3) #Bears— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) January 27, 2022
He’s a man of Faith, Family, and Football. I enjoyed my time with Coach Flus. Congrats to him and the City of Chicago.“
(3 of 3) #Bears— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) January 27, 2022
Faith, family, and football. Those are three words that should click. Why? They describe a certain former head coach the franchise knows well. Lovie Smith. During his long run in Chicago, the man earned a reputation for being simple in his mindset. His only concerns were football, his family, and his faith in Jesus Christ. Similar to his mentor Tony Dungy. Here is a paragraph from the New York Times about it back in 2007.
“They were linked by football and friendship, faith and success. But Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith also shared a broader distinction: being the first African-Americans to coach a team to the Super Bowl.”
Everybody remembers Lovie’s time with the Bears. Three division titles. Two NFC championship appearances. A Super Bowl berth in 2006. He’s had more success than any head coach this team has employed in the past 30 years. Most felt it was a big mistake when the team fired him after the 2012 season, one where he went 10-6. Now it sounds like they’ve found his spiritual successor in Matt Eberflus. If that is the case, then this team could have a bright future ahead. Especially if Justin Fields gives him something Smith never had.
A franchise quarterback.
