The San Francisco 49ers are adding former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus to Kyle Shanahan's defensive staff, according to a source. Eberflus spent last season as the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator before being let go in January. No official title has been announced, but the role is expected to mirror the assistant head coach/defense position previously held by Gus Bradley.

Eberflus brings extensive NFL experience, having served as the Indianapolis Colts' defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021 before his head coaching stint in Chicago. The Bears fired him during the 2024 season. This hire comes as the 49ers continue reshaping their defensive coaching staff after losing Robert Saleh to the Tennessee Titans and Bradley to retirement.

The addition of Eberflus follows the team's hiring of former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris as defensive coordinator earlier this offseason. Shanahan has increasingly relied on having a high-ranking defensive assistant to help with game planning and special projects. In 2024, the 49ers had Brandon Staley in that role before adding Bradley when Saleh returned.