The Jets interviewed Matt Eberflus, defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, for the vacancy as head coach.
Eberlus, 50, was DC of the Colts for three seasons. His defense ended in the top 10 in the NFL in the 2020 season in running yards per game (90.5), takeaways (25), total yards per game (332.1) and allowed points per game (22.6). Under Eberflus, the Indianapolis defense ended in the top 10 in yards per game and takeaways each season. It was the first time the Colts finished the season in the top 10 in consecutive defense in consecutive seasons since 1976-77.
He worked 11 seasons in the NFL, mainly as a coach for linebackers – Browns (2009-10), Cowboys (2011-17) – and helped LB Darius Leonard to become a two-time All-Pro. Since he was drafted in the second round in 2018, Leonard has been among the top five in the NFL in tackles, solo tackles, forced fumbles and linebacker interceptions.
Eberflus started his coaching career as an assistant coach student in Toledo. He played several roles for the 1992-2000 Rockets. He was then named the defensive coordinator in Missouri and spent eight seasons there before joining the Cowboys in 2009.
In Missouri, Eberflus trained a defense that ranked third in the country in 2004. The Tigers also won the Big 12 North Division title in 2007 and 2008, compiling a 22-6 record. With Dallas, he worked closely with All-Pro OLB DeMarcus Ware and helped develop All-Pro LB Sean Lee and Pro Bowl LB Jaylon Smith.