Trending Now - 49ers Strengthen Defense With Eberflus Addition

WHO:

Matt Eberflus, former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator

Jerry Jones, owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys

Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers

Raheem Morris, former Atlanta Falcons head coach, hired as defensive coordinator for the 49ers

Robert Saleh, former 49ers defensive coordinator, now head coach of the Tennessee Titans

Gus Bradley, former 49ers defensive coach, now with the Tennessee Titans

Christian Parker, 34-year-old first-time defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys

WHAT:

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to hire Matt Eberflus as assistant head coach of defense.

Eberflus was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys for the 2025 season.

The Cowboys finished last in the NFL in points allowed per game with 30.1 in 2025.

Eberflus was released by the Cowboys on January 6, 2026.

The 49ers are launching a school-based initiative called 49ers Flag Mexico to expand access to Flag Football for youth in Mexico.

WHERE:

San Francisco 49ers, Santa Clara, California

Dallas Cowboys, Frisco, Texas

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Mexico (specific locations not detailed)

WHEN:

Eberflus' hiring by the 49ers is reported on March 6, 2026.

Eberflus was released by the Cowboys on January 6, 2026.

Eberflus served as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator for the 2025 season.

Eberflus previously worked as the Indianapolis Colts' defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.

The 49ers Flag Mexico initiative was announced on March 6, 2026.

WHY:

Jerry Jones stated that change was necessary after reviewing the Cowboys' defensive performance in 2025.

The 49ers are adding Eberflus to strengthen their defensive staff after the departures of Saleh and Bradley.

HOW:

Eberflus is expected to take on a role similar to the assistant head coach/defense position previously held by Gus Bradley.

Today, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to hire Matt Eberflus as their new assistant head coach of defense, following his release from the Dallas Cowboys on January 6 after a challenging season where the Cowboys ranked last in the NFL in points allowed per game. Eberflus, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, will be stepping into this role to help strengthen the 49ers' defensive staff after the departures of Robert Saleh and Gus Bradley. Additionally, the 49ers announced a new initiative called 49ers Flag Mexico, aimed at expanding access to youth flag football in Mexico.