New Bears head coach cites Nick Saban in introductory press conference

When Matt Eberflus played linebacker at Toledo, he had a coach who played defense pretty well back in his day. Now that he’s the new coach of the Chicago Bears, Eberflus acknowledged the impact that coach had on him.

Of course, he was talking about Nick Saban. Saban played defensive back at Kent State from 1970-72 alongside Jack Lambert and helped the Golden Flashes to a MAC title in 1972. He was Toledo’s head coach for one year in 1990 before becoming the Cleveland Browns’ defensive coordinator.

But in that year, Eberflus learned a lot from Saban, who went on to become arguably the greatest coach in college football history. The two stayed in contact over the years, providing a great resource for Eberflus as he takes his first head coaching job in Chicago.

“I got a chance to play for a guy my junior year that showed me how to come into an organization and change the culture and change the mindset of that,” Eberflus said during his introductory press conference on Monday. “And I was literally living it because I was a player. I’ve stayed in touch with him, and that’s Nick Saban. I really appreciate the example that he’s given me.”

Funny enough, Toledo was Saban’s first head coaching job. After his stint with the Browns, he became Michigan State’s head coach from 1995-99 before heading to LSU from 2000-04. Saban coached the Miami Dolphins from 2005-06 and has been at Alabama since 2007.

Chicago Bears hire Indianapolis defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus as new head coach

The Bears have their new head coach. Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is heading to Chicago.

Eberflus replaces Matt Nagy, with whom the Bears parted ways on January 10.

Eberflus is an NFL coaching veteran with 12 seasons under his belt in the league. The 2021 season was his fourth with the Colts and his reputation had his name buzzing this offseason.

Prior to Indianapolis, Eberflus spent seven seasons (2011-17) with the Dallas Cowboys serving as the team’s passing game coordinator/linebackers coach (2016-17) and linebackers coach (2011-15).

The Colts defensive coordinator was also reportedly a top candidate for the Bears and the Jacksonville Jaguars head coaching jobs.

Eberflus had his second interview with Chicago last Wednesday, as did Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Quinn has reportedly told the Cowboys that he is staying with them for the 2022 season.