The Chicago Bears were criticized when they hired Matt Eberflus as their head coach. It was felt the smart thing to do would’ve been hiring an offensive-oriented coach to help develop Justin Fields. GM Ryan Poles disagreed. He felt Eberflus had the intelligence, teaching ability, and charisma necessary to get the most out of players. What he lacked in flash, he made up for in character. While it hasn’t convinced some critics in the media, some people have regrets about the choice.
That is the team Eberflus left behind. Cameras caught the Bears head coach speaking to an Indianapolis Colts assistant during joint practices last week. The man openly admitted that the organization misses working with Eberflus and his people.
It isn’t a surprise the Colts feel that way. The team was consistently competitive every year Eberflus was there. They had a top 10 defense in three of four seasons and never had fewer than seven wins. When he left in 2022, everything fell apart. The defense was 28th in points allowed and wasn’t forcing turnovers like it used to. Guys started making dumb mistakes. The entire standard of the organization seemed to lower.
Matt Eberflus is a tone-setter as a coach.
His presence demands respect and accountability. Guys are expected to give 100% effort, limit mistakes, and play with intensity. That was the trademark of those Colts defenses. It was something that rubbed off on the entire roster. Former head coach Frank Reich didn’t know how to replace that when Eberflus left. Gus Bradley isn’t a bad defensive coordinator, but he doesn’t have nearly the same presence. It’s why he failed as a head coach in Jacksonville. The Bears think they have the right guy.
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There aren’t many indications you chose well than the previous team admitting they miss him. Matt Eberflus will have a chance to prove himself in 2023. He finally has a respectable roster to work with. The defensive appears deeper and faster. Justin Fields has more weapons and more stability on the offensive line. If injuries don’t ravage this team, they have the capability to win a lot more games than last year. If they stick to what Eberflus has taught them, that is a given.
I’m a believer. I can’t explain his linguistics or anything but Eberflus’ style provides assurance…maybe even comfort. He seems to make complex things very simple and he has a compelling nature that I think might exude charisma. Hard to say for sure on film vs real life because I’ve never met the man.
Prove it Coach, we need this!!! Go Bears!!!