Matt Eberflus is an American football coach with over three decades of experience in the sport. Known for his defensive expertise and systematic approach to coaching, he has worked at both college and professional levels throughout his career.
According to reporting by The New York Times, his coaching role later changed as part of standard organizational evaluations.
His journey from college linebacker to NFL coaching positions reflects the dedication and learning required to succeed in professional football. His story offers insights into how coaches develop their craft over many years of work.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matt Eberflus |
| Date of Birth | May 17, 1970 |
| Age | 55 years |
| Birthplace | Toledo, Ohio, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | NFL Coach |
| Known For | Defensive coaching expertise |
| Playing Position | Linebacker (College) |
| College | University of Toledo |
| Coaching Career Started | 1992 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3-5 million |
| Marital Status | Married to Kelly Eberflus |
| Children | Two daughters |
Early Life and Background
Matt was born on May 17, 1970, in Toledo, Ohio, where he grew up in a family that valued education and athletics. He attended Whitmer High School in Toledo, where football became an important part of his life.
During his high school years, he played linebacker and showed the work ethic that would define his career. His performance on the field was solid enough to earn attention from college programs in the region.
After graduating from Whitmer High School in 1988, he chose to stay close to home and enrolled at the University of Toledo. This decision would shape the foundation of his entire coaching career.
Education and Football Background
At the University of Toledo, he played linebacker from 1988 to 1991. During these four years, he played under three different head coaches, which exposed him to various coaching philosophies and styles.
He was a walk-on player who earned his position through determination and consistent effort. By his junior year, he had become a starting linebacker and earned First Team All-MAC honors after leading the team in tackles.
As a senior, he served as team captain and repeated his First Team All-MAC selection. Throughout his college career, he accumulated 325 tackles and earned his degree in education from Toledo in 1993.
His playing experience taught him the game from the inside, understanding what players go through during practices, games, and the mental challenges of competition. This foundation would later inform his coaching approach.
Transition From Player to Coach
After finishing his playing career at Toledo, the transition to coaching happened naturally. In 1992, while still completing his education degree, he joined Toledo as a student assistant coach under head coach Gary Pinkel.
The decision to pursue coaching rather than attempting professional football came from his understanding of his abilities and his genuine interest in teaching the game. His education background aligned perfectly with coaching responsibilities.
He progressed quickly from student assistant to graduate assistant in 1993, then landed a full-time position in 1994 as recruiting coordinator and outside linebackers coach. This advancement showed that his coaching skills were recognized early.
Early Coaching Career
His early years at Toledo provided comprehensive learning experiences. He coached outside linebackers initially, then moved to coaching defensive backs during his final years with the program.
This versatility in coaching different positions gave him broader knowledge of defensive schemes and how different positions work together. Understanding multiple defensive positions would prove valuable throughout his career.
During his time at Toledo as a full-time coach, the program maintained strong records and competed well in the Mid-American Conference. This success helped build his reputation as a quality coach.
When Gary Pinkel was hired as head coach at the University of Missouri in 2001, he brought Eberflus with him as defensive coordinator. This represented a significant promotion and moved him to a higher level of college football.
Rise in the NFL Coaching System
His NFL career began in 2009 when the Cleveland Browns hired him as linebackers coach. This represented a major step from college football to the professional level, where coaching demands and player management require different approaches.
After two seasons in Cleveland, he joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2011 as linebackers coach, a position he held for seven years through 2017. This extended period with one organization gave him stability and allowed him to develop his coaching methods.
In 2018, he was promoted to defensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts. This coordinator role gave him responsibility for an entire defense and the opportunity to implement his defensive philosophy at the NFL level.
His work coordinating defenses in Indianapolis from 2018 through 2021 built his reputation across the league. The experience prepared him for greater responsibilities in his coaching career.
Chicago Bears Head Coach Role
In early 2022, he was named head coach of the Chicago Bears, one of the NFL’s historic franchises. This appointment represented the culmination of 30 years of coaching work and gave him the opportunity to lead an entire organization.
As head coach, his responsibilities expanded beyond just defensive schemes to include managing the entire roster, working with offensive and defensive coordinators, handling media relations, and representing the organization publicly.
During his time leading the team, he focused on implementing his defensive philosophy while working to develop young players. The role came with significant challenges typical of NFL head coaching positions.
His tenure with the Bears provided valuable experience in organizational leadership and the complexities of managing all aspects of a professional football team.
Career Changes and Current Status
Following his time with the Bears, he returned to coordinator duties with the Dallas Cowboys. His role involved coordinating the defense and working with defensive personnel.
His coaching journey later involved organizational changes as teams made decisions about their coaching staff directions. These transitions are common in professional football, where coaching positions involve performance expectations and organizational fit.
Currently, his career status involves evaluating future opportunities in football coaching. With over 30 years of experience at multiple levels, he continues to be part of the coaching profession.
Net Worth and Earnings
His estimated net worth is in the range of $3-5 million, accumulated through over three decades of coaching at college and professional levels. (Net worth figures are estimates based on typical NFL coaching salaries and publicly available information. Actual figures may vary and are not officially confirmed.)
NFL head coaches typically earn between $4-8 million annually, while defensive coordinators earn between $1.5-3 million per year. Position coaches at the NFL level generally earn between $400,000-1 million annually.
His earnings throughout his career have reflected these typical ranges based on his roles as position coach, coordinator, and head coach at various points. Like most coaches, his income has increased as he progressed to positions with greater responsibility.
Wife, Family and Personal Life
He is married to Kelly Eberflus, and the couple has two daughters. Throughout his coaching career, which has required relocations to different cities, his family has provided support through the moves and demands of the profession.
He maintains privacy around his family life, keeping personal matters separate from his professional responsibilities. His focus in professional settings stays on football, coaching, and team matters rather than personal topics.
The life of an NFL coach requires long hours during the season, extensive preparation time, and significant travel. Having family support throughout these demands is important for coaches at this level.
Parents and Early Family Influence
Specific details about his parents are not extensively discussed in public sources. He has maintained privacy around his family background, choosing to keep those aspects of his personal life separate from his professional career.
What is clear from his educational path and career development is that his upbringing supported his athletic pursuits and educational goals. His completion of a college degree in education reflects values instilled during his formative years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Matt Eberflus?
He is an NFL coach with over 30 years of experience in football coaching. He has worked as a position coach, defensive coordinator, and head coach at both college and professional levels.
What teams has he coached?
He has coached at the University of Toledo, University of Missouri, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, and Chicago Bears in various coaching roles throughout his career.
What is His net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $3-5 million based on typical NFL coaching salaries, though exact figures are not publicly confirmed. NFL coaches’ earnings vary based on their specific roles and contracts.
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