3 potential DCs for Matt Eberflus’ Chicago Bears coaching staff

Rob Ryan

Rob Ryan would be a great option as the Chicago Bears defensive coordinator.

With new Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus having a background in defense, it seems likely that he may be the play-caller for the Bears’ defense. Even though Eberflus may serve as the Bears’ defensive play-caller, he likely will look to hire a defensive coordinator that he has a connection with.

Baltimore Ravens inside linebackers coach Rob Ryan could be that coordinator. Prior to his current position with the Ravens, Ryan has served as a defensive coordinator for several NFL teams throughout his coaching career.

Most notably, Ryan was the defensive coordinator for Cleveland Browns between 2009-2010. During that same timeframe, Eberflus served as the Browns’ linebackers coach. With the Ravens switching defensive coordinators this off-season, Ryan could be open to taking a position under Eberflus with the Bears.

For what is worth, Ryan does have an outside connection to the Bears’ organization. Ryan is the son of late former Bears’ defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan. Ryan served as the defensive coordinator of the 1985 Chicago Bears under head coach Mike Ditka. Despite Ditka being the head coach of the ’85 Bears, many consider Buddy Ryan as the true coach of that team.

Ryan has experience in the NFL and even served as an assistant head coach for the Buffalo Bills in 2016. That experience could serve beneficial to Eberflus as he enters his first year as a head coach in the NFL.