Chicago Bears HC Matt Eberflus is both a prankster and a get-tough coach
Thursday’s press conference by Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus shows the coach has a little bit of a prankster inside of him and his disciplined demeanor.
When the Chicago Bears hired Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus as their new head coach, he brought a disciplined look. After Thursday’s press conference, it is clear that the new coach has a bit of prankster within him, and it’s pretty hilarious and needed.
Eberflus was asked about looking forward to the draft and would he vouch for specific players. Chuckling good-naturedly, Eberflus dodged the question like the late great Gale Sayers and pulled a joke on the media, citing a “rivalry” between offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and defensive coordinator Alan Williams.
"“I go to (Luke) Getsy and I tell him we’re gonna pick six defensive guys and then I go to Alan (Williams) and tell him we’re gonna pick six offensive guys. I tell them that they better start lobbying. “"
This is pretty hilarious. Not as funny as when Charles Barkley makes a joke and has Shaq howling on the floor, but good enough to warrant a chuckle.
Jokes aside, it’s a good move because it tests the coordinators on how much they will vouch for a player to both Eberflus and new general manager Ryan Poles, who signed his second contract with the Bears. His first? Way back in 2008, as a UDFA out of Boston College.
Matt Eberflus played a joke on his coaches and showed his softer side in addition to his stricter side.
It’s nice to see this side of Matt Eberflus. It was very evident from his time in Indianapolis that he cared about his players and the game of football. But he was also undoubtedly a tough-minded coach, which is what the Bears needed.
However, seeing him drop a joke like this is enough to bring a laugh out of anyone because it shows that he is committed to doing his job while having fun doing it.
Moreover, it’s a reminder that everyone in the building will be held to a high standard, and vouching for players will go a long way in determining the scheme and how success will be translated to the field.
It’s ok to be a get tough guy in the NFL. It’s also ok to be a fun coach. Having the right mix of both will lead to success. Even Bill Belichick, who comes across as gruff at times, has a joking side, and he’s got the hardware to show for it.
Is Matt Eberflus going to win six titles like Belichick? Let’s not get too crazy. But if he wins just one in Chicago, the fans will go crazy and party harder than in 1985. He certainly won this particular press conference with that line, and it’s a good one.