49ers add Matt Eberflus as defensive assistant and assistant head coach

"Eberflus, 55, was the defensive coordinator in Indianapolis from 2018-21. The Colts ranked in the top 10 in takeaways in each of his four years there and will likely be a primary focus of his job with the 49ers."

"In Dallas, Eberflus' defense struggled after the trade of Micah Parsons to Green Bay. The Cowboys ranked 30th in total defense, 32nd in scoring defense, 32nd in passing defense and 23rd in rushing defense. The finished with just six takeaways, all interceptions."

"Eberflus replaces Gus Bradley, who was a candidate to become the 49ers' defensive coordinator after Robert Saleh accepted the head coaching job of the Tennessee Titans. When Shanahan hired Raheem Morris instead, Bradley went with Saleh to become defensive coordinator in Tennessee."

Kyle Shanahan continues building his 49ers coaching staff by adding Matt Eberflus as assistant head coach defense, a position previously held by Gus Bradley. Eberflus, 55, was most recently the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator and served as Chicago Bears head coach from 2022-24 with a 14-32 record. He previously coordinated defense for the Indianapolis Colts from 2018-21, where the team consistently ranked in the top 10 in takeaways. In Dallas, his defense struggled significantly, ranking 30th in total defense and 32nd in both scoring and passing defense. The 49ers also promoted Cameron Clemmons to tight ends coach and hired Jerry Gray as defensive backs coach, replacing departing coordinators.

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