The San Francisco 49ers are set to add former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus to their defensive coaching staff, according to a source who confirmed the move to ESPN.
Eberflus most recently served as the Bears’ head coach, a role he held before his departure following the 2024 season. Prior to his time in Chicago, he built his reputation as a defensive assistant and coordinator, working his way up through multiple NFL organizations and earning recognition for his work on that side of the ball. His background includes extensive experience in designing defensive game plans and overseeing player development within various defensive schemes.
By bringing Eberflus onto the staff, head coach Kyle Shanahan adds another veteran voice to a franchise that has consistently leaned on strong defensive play during his tenure. The 49ers have been among the league’s more physical and disciplined units in recent seasons, and the addition of a former head coach with a defensive specialty underscores the organization’s emphasis on maintaining that standard.
Specific details about Eberflus’ role, responsibilities, and title with San Francisco were not immediately available. It is not yet clear how the 49ers will structure their defensive staff around him or how his arrival might affect duties among existing assistants. However, his experience leading entire defensive units and managing NFL rosters suggests he will have a significant voice in planning and preparation.
For Shanahan and the 49ers, the move continues a trend of surrounding the team with experienced coaches who bring a broad perspective from previous stops around the league. For Eberflus, it marks a return to a more specialized position after his most recent stint as a head coach, giving him an opportunity to reestablish himself on a staff with championship expectations.
The team has not yet made an official announcement, and terms of Eberflus’ agreement with the 49ers were not disclosed.
