Matt Eberflus has landed a new position with the San Francisco 49ers as their assistant head coach of defense, according to Thursday reports from NFL Network.
The 55-year-old coach was dismissed from his role as Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator in January following a single disappointing season with the team.
Eberflus steps into a position on Kyle Shanahan’s coaching staff previously occupied by Gus Bradley in 2025. Bradley left San Francisco to take over as defensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans.
In his new role, Eberflus will collaborate with recently appointed defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who took over after Robert Saleh departed to become Tennessee’s head coach.
Eberflus faced significant challenges during his time in Dallas, beginning when the Cowboys traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay just days before the regular season commenced.
The Cowboys’ defense struggled mightily under Eberflus’s leadership, ranking 30th overall in total defense and dead last in pass defense, surrendering 251.5 yards per game through the air. The unit also performed worst in the league on third downs, allowing conversions on over 47% of attempts while giving up a franchise-worst 511 points throughout the season.
During his time as Chicago’s head coach from 2022-24, Eberflus compiled a 14-32 record before being terminated following a 4-8 start to his third season. His coaching background includes serving as Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator from 2018-21, along with linebacker coaching positions with Dallas (2011-17) and Cleveland (2009-10).
