Matt Eberflus’ top NFL landing spots in 2025 after being released by the Bears | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

It takes a bit of setup to explain, but it will all make sense in the end.

There are already rumors of some mutual interest between Bill Belichick and the Jacksonville Jaguars if the club decides to move on from Doug Pederson during or after this season.

Let’s say Pederson is fired and Belichick is hired as the next head coach in Jacksonville. Belichick would almost certainly play a big role on defense, just like he did with the New England Patriots, but he wouldn’t necessarily dictate plays on that side of the ball.

Even if Belichick wants to be the defensive game manager, he would still hire someone who would have the official title of defensive coordinator.

Eberflus would be a natural addition to his staff. While he hasn’t necessarily had a direct connection to Belichick during his coaching career, there are secondary connections that could help bolster his stock.

During his college years at Toledo from 1988 to 1991, Eberflus played under head coach Nick Saban in 1990. Belichick and Saban are very close friends who also had friendly rivalries throughout their coaching careers.

Eberflus also worked on Eric Mangini’s staff with the Cleveland Browns from 2009 to 2010. Mangini and Belichick worked together from 1997 to 2005.

When the Bears and Patriots played a game during the 2022 season, Belichick and Eberflus had a lengthy discussion on the field afterward, and both men were very polite to one another.

A few things would have to happen in Jacksonville for this scenario to occur, but it’s not that far-fetched to think Eberflus could work out for the Jaguars in 2025.