With an offensive-minded head coach like Josh McDaniels, hiring a good defensive coordinator is one of the most important moves an organization can make. The Colts hope they’ve found an up-and-coming defensive mind in Matt Eberflus.
According to Football Outsiders, the Colts ranked 27th in defensive efficiency last season and dead last in passing defense. General manager Chris Ballard has begun the defensive rebuild by acquiring some quality talent, but Indianapolis needs an intelligent defensive coordinator for them to take the next step on that side of the ball.
Matt Eberflus has worked under Rod Marinelli on the Cowboys’ defensive staff since 2011. He was their linebackers coach for seven seasons, and was elevated to the position of passing game coordinator in 2016.
Before his time in Dallas, Eberflus was the Browns’ linebackers coach from 2009-10. His only other tenure as defensive coordinator was with Missouri from 2001-08, which was one of the most successful runs in school history.
The Cowboys thought so much of Eberflus that they would’ve elevated him to defensive coordinator to keep him from going to Indianapolis, but he reportedly had already made up his mind.
Eberflus has never been a defensive coordinator in the NFL, but there is a ton of positive buzz about him in coaching circles around the league.
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The Colts have a long way to go in becoming a playoff-caliber defense, but they have a ton of cap room to spend this offseason, a high draft pick, and some young talent that could be ready to take the next step in 2018. The future of defense in Indianapolis is looking bright.