Report: Colts D.C. Matt Eberflus Had an Impressive Interview with Texans; Considered ‘Early Favorite’

According to The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus impressed in his initial interview for the open Houston Texans head coaching job and is considered the ‘early favorite’ for the position:

Even though Colts fans are glad to see Eberflus doing well in the process, who’s been overdue for a head coaching opportunity for a while now, it would hurt to lose both Indy’s offensive and defensive coordinators in the same offseason—as former Colts O.C. Nick Sirianni was hired on Thursday to become the Philadelphia Eagles new head coach.

Making matters worse is that Eberflus would be hired to become the Colts’ AFC South divisional rival’s head coach—who the team meets twice a season.

If Eberflus’ arrival can help smooth things over with quarterback Deshaun Watson, he could help build a strong defense to back up Houston’s franchise superstar—making the Texans a more well-rounded squad and much more dangerous against Indianapolis going forward.

Regarding Eberflus:

Eberflus helped coach one of the league’s most improved defenses this past season, as his ‘Cover 2’ derivative featured a unit that was fast, athletic, and swarmed to the football.

The Colts were tied for the 5th most takeaways (25) and had the league’s 2nd best run defense—only surrendering 90.5 rushing yards per game. The unit also allowed the 10th (tied) fewest points at 22.6 avg. ppg.

Eberflus has also been instrumental in the development of Colts defensive standouts such as Darius Leonard, Kenny Moore, Khari Willis, Bobby Okereke, Julian Blackmon, and Grover Stewart among others.

Prior to joining the Colts in 2018, he served as the Dallas Cowboys linebackers coach and passing game coordinator (2016-17), linebackers coach (2011-15), and Cleveland Browns linebackers coach (2009-10).

Of course, as NFL fans saw firsthand from the Eagles head coaching hiring process, when New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was considered the ‘early favorite’—before Sirianni ‘stole the job out from under him,’ these league hiring processes remain fluid and a lot can still change until the very end.

Still, Eberflus did well in his initial interview and remains a serious candidate for obtaining Houston’s vacant head coaching job in the mean time. However, Colts fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that he’ll remain their D.C. in 2021—until it’s officially declared over.