Matt Eberflus: The Coach Who Transformed Sean Lee’s Career
In the world of football, the relationship between a player and a coach is often defined by trust, communication, and the ability to teach. For former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee, his experience with Matt Eberflus was transformative.
When Eberflus entered the Cowboys’ coaching staff in 2014, Lee immediately recognized something special in him—not just as a coach, but as an educator and mentor.
Lee’s first impression of Eberflus came in the early stages of their relationship. “When he got into teaching football, how much he loved football, how he could communicate, I thought that was a great first lesson for me on how an NFL coach would coach in a meeting room,” Lee recalled. That initial experience set the tone for what would become a highly productive and enlightening relationship between the two.
Eberflus, who would go on to become the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, showed Lee the essence of teaching the game—not just by showing X’s and O’s on a board but by making the game come alive through communication and passion.
As Eberflus transitioned into a more prominent role with the Cowboys in 2015, Lee’s appreciation for him only grew. “Two years later, when he came to Dallas, I was so excited because that first meeting, I learned so much football and had a great time,” Lee said. It was in 2015 that Lee’s career would take a significant turn, thanks to Eberflus.
The coach was tasked with transitioning Lee from an inside linebacker to the weakside linebacker position. It was a challenging shift, but Eberflus’ teaching prowess played a pivotal role in Lee’s success.
The linebacker, who had dealt with numerous injuries throughout his career, was able to thrive in his new role and ultimately made his first Pro Bowl that season.
Eberflus’ ability to simplify complex football concepts and make them easy to understand stood out to Lee. “He can teach any scheme and make adjustments on the fly, and to see his ability to go from a 3-4 to a 4-3 and being able to teach the scheme, the fundamentals very easily, it just showed me how smart he is,” Lee explained. Eberflus’ adaptability, his capacity to break down defensive schemes, and his ability to communicate those changes to players helped elevate Lee’s game to new heights.
The linebacker was able to understand his new position, read opposing offenses, and make critical adjustments, all of which played a role in his Pro Bowl selection that year.
Eberflus’ versatility as a coach was not only apparent in his ability to adjust defensive schemes but also in his emphasis on the fundamentals of the game.
The simplicity and clarity with which he taught the basics of defense allowed players like Lee to flourish. For a linebacker like Lee, known for his intelligence and football IQ, this approach was a perfect fit.
As Lee reflects on his time working with Eberflus, it is clear that the coach’s influence played a major role in shaping his career. Lee’s experience with Eberflus wasn’t just about learning new techniques or schemes; it was about developing a deeper understanding of the game itself.
Through his ability to teach, communicate, and adjust, Eberflus proved to be a coach who not only helped Lee become a Pro Bowler but also left an indelible mark on his career.
In many ways, Matt Eberflus represents the kind of coach who can bring out the best in players. By focusing on the fundamentals, adapting to his players’ needs, and fostering a love for the game, he’s demonstrated that teaching and communication are as valuable as any defensive scheme.
As he takes on his new role as head coach of the Chicago Bears, it is clear that Eberflus’ impact will continue to be felt, not just by Lee, but by all those lucky enough to work with him.