The San Francisco 49ers have secured the services of a seasoned defensive strategist for the upcoming 2026 NFL season, appointing former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus as the team’s assistant head coach of defense. This announcement was reported by NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero on March 5, 2026.
Eberflus comes on board following a significant shake-up in the 49ers’ coaching staff, particularly on the defensive side, after the departure of key figures. Former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has been named head coach of the Tennessee Titans, bringing along Gus Bradley, who previously served as the 49ers’ assistant head coach for defense. With Bradley now in Tennessee, Eberflus will step into the role, working collaboratively with 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who has an established background from his time with the Atlanta Falcons.
In 2025, the 49ers’ defense struggled, ranking 25th in defensive EPA per play and managing a league-low 20 sacks, revealing a pressing need for improvement. The hope is that Eberflus can leverage his previous defensive successes to fortify a unit that has seen better days.
Prior to his stint with the Cowboys, where Eberflus faced challenges with a defense that allowed an average of 30.1 points per game, he was the head coach of the Chicago Bears for three seasons. During his tenure in Chicago, he amassed a 14-32 record, culminating in his mid-season firing after the 2024 Thanksgiving loss. However, Eberflus previously enjoyed success with the Indianapolis Colts, where he was credited with coaching three top-10 scoring defenses during his four-year tenure and instilling a culture of high takeaways.
The 49ers organization is optimistic that Eberflus will replicate his earlier success in order to address the deficiencies left by the recent coaching changes, reinforcing their defensive lineup as they head into the new season. Ultimately, this adjustment could signal a revitalization of the team’s defensive strategies and contribute positively to their performance in the NFL landscape.