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49ers Hire Matt Eberflus as Assistant Head Coach of Defense

The move installs an experienced hand to help structure weekly prep under new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets, citing NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, reported on March 5 that San Francisco hired Eberflus to the staff role.
  • Eberflus replaces Gus Bradley, who left Kyle Shanahan’s staff to become the Tennessee Titans’ defensive coordinator under head coach Robert Saleh.
  • He is set to work alongside Raheem Morris in a process-focused capacity that emphasizes game-planning, opponent tendencies, and in-game communication.
  • The hire follows a down year for the 49ers’ defense, which ranked 25th in defensive EPA per play in 2025 and finished with a league-low 20 sacks.
  • Eberflus was fired by the Cowboys in January after their defense allowed a franchise‑record 511 points in 2025; he previously went 14–32 as Bears head coach and oversaw multiple top‑10 units as Colts defensive coordinator.