Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus will return to Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday. He served as the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2021.
Eberflus had a productive four-season run with the franchise. Under his leadership, the Colts had a top-10 defense in opponent points allowed three times. In 2021, they placed ninth in points allowed and second in takeaways.
His run with the Bears has been a little more rocky. As head coach, he has recorded an 11-25 record. This season, he is looking to turn that around with No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams at quarterback.
Despite his success, Eberflus's return to Indianapolis will not be universally celebrated.
During an interview with team reporter Larra Overton, linebacker Zaire Franklin was asked about his former defensive coordinator.
"I have no feelings about him," Franklin said. "But I'm looking forward to playing the Chicago Bears.”
Franklin played sparingly in four seasons under Eberflus. After his departure, Franklin immediately had a breakout season in 2022 with 167 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six passes defended, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.
The linebacker did not slow down in 2023, posting a career-high 179 combined tackles.
Franklin noted that he is "looking forward" to playing the Bears. He could be in store for a big game on Sunday.
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