History of Matt Eberflus in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 5, 2026

Matt Eberflus is an American football coach. He recently served as the head coach for the Chicago Bears (2022-2024). Prior to that, he held the defensive coordinator position for both the Indianapolis Colts (2018-2021) and the Dallas Cowboys in 2025. Eberflus's coaching experience also includes collegiate roles with the Toledo Rockets and Missouri Tigers, contributing to his extensive background in football.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 17, 1970: Matt Eberflus born

Matt Eberflus was born on May 17, 1970.

Others born on this day/year

1987: State Semifinals

In 1987, Matt Eberflus helped lead his high school team to the state semifinals.

1988: College Football at Toledo

In 1988, Matt Eberflus began his college football career at Toledo, where he was a four-year letterman.

1988: High School Graduation

In 1988, Matt Eberflus graduated from Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio.

1991: All-MAC Honors

In 1991, Matt Eberflus concluded his career at Toledo, earning First Team All-MAC honors for the second consecutive year and leading the team in tackles.

1992: Student Assistant Coach

In 1992, Matt Eberflus served as a student assistant coach at the University of Toledo under Gary Pinkel.

1993: Earns Education Degree

In 1993, Matt Eberflus earned his degree in education from Toledo.

1993: Graduate Assistant Coach

In 1993, Matt Eberflus worked as a graduate assistant at the University of Toledo.

1994: Full-Time Coaching Role

In 1994, Matt Eberflus took on a full-time coaching role at the University of Toledo as recruiting coordinator and outside linebackers coach.

1995: Undefeated Season

In 1995, Toledo finished with an 11-0-1 record during Matt Eberflus's tenure as a full-time coach.

2000: Successful Season at Toledo

In 2000, Toledo achieved a 10-1 record during Matt Eberflus's tenure as a full-time coach.

2001: Defensive Coordinator at Missouri

In 2001, Matt Eberflus joined Gary Pinkel at the University of Missouri as defensive coordinator, also coaching defensive backs.

2002: Hitchens Records 100 Tackles

In 2002 Roy Williams recorded 127 tackles.

2003: Independence Bowl Appearance

In 2003, Matt Eberflus helped the Missouri Tigers reach the Independence Bowl, their first bowl game in five seasons.

2004: Athletic Hall of Fame Induction

In 2004, Matt Eberflus was inducted into the University of Toledo's Athletic Hall of Fame.

2006: Associate Head Coach

In 2006, Matt Eberflus was given the additional title of associate head coach at the University of Missouri.

2007: Big 12 North Division Title

In 2007, Matt Eberflus guided the Missouri Tigers defense to the Big 12 North Division title. He was also twice recognized as the national defensive coordinator of the week and won the Cotton Bowl against Arkansas.

2007: All-American Recognition for Moore

In 2007, William Moore, recruited by Matt Eberflus, was named a First-Team All American and Second-Team All-Big 12.

2008: Second Big 12 North Division Title

In 2008, Matt Eberflus guided the Missouri Tigers defense to their second consecutive Big 12 North Division title, compiling a 22-6 record over the 2007-2008 span.

2008: All-American Recognition for Weatherspoon

In 2008, Sean Weatherspoon, recruited by Matt Eberflus, was named a Third Team All-American.

2009: Joins Cleveland Browns

In 2009, Matt Eberflus left Missouri to join the NFL as linebackers coach for the Cleveland Browns.

2009: Moore Drafted by Falcons

In 2009, William Moore, who was recruited and mentored by Matt Eberflus, was drafted in the 2nd Round of the NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons.

2010: Weatherspoon Drafted by Falcons

In 2010, Sean Weatherspoon, who was recruited and mentored by Matt Eberflus, was drafted in the 1st Round of the NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons.

2011: Joins Dallas Cowboys

In 2011, Matt Eberflus followed Rob Ryan to the Dallas Cowboys, joining Jason Garrett's staff as the Linebacker Coach.

2012: Pro Bowl Selections for Ware and Spencer

In 2012, Matt Eberflus guided DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer to Pro Bowl selections, with both achieving double-digit sacks.

2012: Moore's Pro Bowl Selection

In 2012, William Moore, a player recruited and developed under Matt Eberflus, became a Pro Bowl safety with the Atlanta Falcons.

2013: Assists Transition to 4-3 Scheme

In 2013, Matt Eberflus was integral in assisting the Dallas Cowboys' transition to a 4–3 defensive scheme under Monte Kiffin.

2013: Rushing Defense Ranking

In 2013, the Dallas Cowboys rushing defense was ranked No. 27 in the league.

2014: Unit Overachieves Through Adversity

In 2014, Matt Eberflus' unit continued to overachieve through an adversity-plagued season with Sean Lee injured and Rolando McClain acquired.

2014: Desir Draft

Pierre Desir was drafted in 2014.

2015: Lee's Pro Bowl Selection

In 2015, Matt Eberflus transitioned Sean Lee to the weakside linebacker position, which produced immediate results, leading to Lee's first career Pro Bowl selection.

2016: Smith Missed Season

In 2016, Jaylon Smith missed the season due to injury.

2016: Defensive Passing Game Coordinator

In 2016, Matt Eberflus became the Dallas Cowboys' Defensive Passing Game Coordinator in addition to his linebacker coaching duties.

2017: Linebacker Group Performance

In 2017, Matt Eberflus guided a linebacker group that accounted for 34% of the team's tackles, helping the Cowboys' defense rank No. 8 in total defense.

2017: Colts Defense Ranking

In 2017, the Colts defense finished No. 30 in the NFL in both scoring defense and total defense.

2017: Colts' Previous Season

The Indianapolis Colts had a 4-12 season in 2017.

2018: Colts Defensive Coordinator

In 2018, Matt Eberflus became the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts.

2018: Improved Passing Defense

In 2018, Matt Eberflus improved the Colts' passing defense to No. 16, utilizing players like Pierre Desir and Kenny Moore II.

2018: Defensive Turnaround

In 2018, Matt Eberflus turned the Colts' defense around to rank No. 10 in scoring defense and No. 11 in total defense.

2018: Assistant Coach of the Year Nominations

In 2018, Matt Eberflus was voted Assistant Coach of the Year by Peter King of NBC Sports and Steve Serby of the New York Post. Eberflus also finished third in votes for the 2018 Associated Press NFL Assistant Coach of the Year Award.

2018: Player Development

Throughout the 2018 season, Matt Eberflus's cultural impact and expertise in player development was put on display. Shaquille Leonard led the NFL with 163 tackles.

2019: Interview with Browns

In 2019, Matt Eberflus interviewed with the Cleveland Browns for their head coaching vacancy.

2021: Continues with Colts

Matt Eberflus continued with the Indianapolis Colts through the 2021 season.

2021: Colts Defensive Coordinator

Matt Eberflus served as the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts until 2021.

January 27, 2022: Named Head Coach of the Chicago Bears

On January 27, 2022, Matt Eberflus was named the 17th head coach of the Chicago Bears.

2022: Bears Head Coach

In 2022, Matt Eberflus became the head coach for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL).

October 5, 2023: Bears Break Losing Streak

On October 5, 2023, Matt Eberflus and the Bears broke their franchise record 14-game losing streak with a Week 5 win against the Washington Commanders.

November 29, 2024: Fired as Bears Head Coach

On November 29, 2024, Matt Eberflus was fired as the Chicago Bears' head coach, marking the first mid-season firing of a Bears head coach.

2024: Bears Head Coach

Matt Eberflus was the head coach for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) until 2024.

January 28, 2025: Returned to the Dallas Cowboys as Defensive Coordinator

On January 28, 2025, Matt Eberflus returned to the Dallas Cowboys to serve as their defensive coordinator.

2025: Cowboys Defensive Coordinator

In 2025, Matt Eberflus served as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.

January 6, 2026: Fired by the Dallas Cowboys

On January 6, 2026, the Cowboys fired Matt Eberflus following the conclusion of the 2025 regular season after the Cowboys had one of their worst defenses in franchise history.