Defensive Coordinator Options Matt Eberflus Could Look Into
Most of the focus will be on the offensive coordinator job among Chicago Bears fans. That isn’t a surprise. Getting that right is essential to the team’s success next year, especially if they plan to draft a new quarterback. However, head coach Matt Eberflus has another important job to fill. This team hasn’t had a defensive coordinator since Alan Williams resigned last September. Eberflus took over the role himself and did an excellent job. Still, he understands the team still needs one to help the machine run smoothly.
Besides, having another quality assistant, if you can find one, is never a bad thing. The Bears could promote from within. Linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi and senior analyst Phil Snow feel like the obvious choices. However, this is a golden opportunity for Eberflus to seek somebody from the outside who might be able to bring new ideas to the table. Here are some names he should look into.
Matt Eberflus should reach out to these assistants about the job.
Joe Cullen (Chiefs defensive line coach)
Their defensive front drives the Bears’ defense. When it goes, they go. It’s been that way all year. So it makes plenty of sense for their defensive coordinator to have a strong background coaching that area of the ball. Cullen has done tremendous work in that regard for several years. He’s been a big part of Kansas City’s defensive resurgence, successfully getting career years from young guys like George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu. He would be a welcome addition to the staff, given his vast experience dating back to 2006.
Eric Henderson (Rams defensive line coach)
Finding a way to sack Jordan Love must be a focal point for the Bears and Matt Eberflus moving forward. Green Bay has protected him so well in recent months. The only way to beat him will be to make him uncomfortable. Henderson did a great job of that this year with L.A., collecting four sacks in their November 5th meeting. The young assistant had an immediate impact from the moment he arrived, helping invigorate the Rams pass rush en route to a Super Bowl title in 2021. He is likely looking for his next step up the ladder.
Al Harris (Cowboys defensive backs coach)
The former Packers All-Pro cornerback has transitioned so well into coaching. His work with that Dallas secondary isn’t getting nearly enough credit. He helped turn Trevon Diggs into an All-Pro in 2021 and then did the same thing with DaRon Bland this season. It is rather shocking nobody has given him as a shot at defensive coordinator yet. While he may not call plays in Chicago, he’d have a chance to expand his authority even further with the Bears, proving he can work beyond his personal expertise.
Jason Rebrovich (Packers pass rush specialist)
Green Bay’s pass rush gave the Bears fits this year. So why not take one of the people responsible? Rebrovich has been steadily ascending as a defensive line coach for the past few years. He proved himself in Buffalo, Jacksonville, and now Green Bay. The Packers had 47 sacks this season. They’ve been giving quarterbacks fits all year. Chicago’s pass rush ran too hot and cold most of the season. Somebody like Rebrovich should be able to make it more consistent from week to week.
Chris Harris (Titans defensive pass game coordinator)
Sometimes, the best thing to do is find somebody with deep knowledge of your system. Harris played in this scheme as a safety for the Bears in the 2000s. Then, he coached it as a defensive backs coach in Washington. The guy learned from Lovie Smith and Ron Rivera. If anybody knows what Matt Eberflus expects on each play call, it will be Harris. It would certainly be nice if he could bring back some of that swagger from the 2005-2006 era when Bears football was rocking.