Bears coach Matt Eberflus looking to add senior defensive analyst

LAKE FOREST — The Bears are looking to add to their defensive room.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus said during his Monday press conference that the team is looking to add a senior defensive assistant that would work ahead for upcoming opponents.

“It would give us certainly ideas and things, how to attack that upcoming opponent,” Eberflus said. “Just to get another set of eyes for advancing for us in that. Again, I don’t have names. I don’t have a timetable for that right now at this time. But that will be coming shortly. And we’re looking forward to adding that — if we choose to do that.”

Some of the attributes that Eberflus highlighted when asked further about the position, included experience in the league, familiarity with the Bears’ scheme but “also has different experiences to think outside the box, which brings a new fresh perspective.”

It wouldn’t hurt to bring in an individual who does bring a different perspective, considering that the defense through the first five weeks has been one of the worst in the NFL.

The Bears’ defense is ranked third-last in total yards, points given up per game and last in passing yards given up. It has allowed opposing offenses to convert on 57 percent of third downs and the team’s seven sacks are tied for the second-least in the league.

The defense hasn’t seen much of an uptick since Eberflus took over as the defensive play caller in Week 2. Thursday night’s 40-20, win over Washington produced the best results of the season. The Bears’ defense sacked Sam Howell five times, created two turnovers (a fumble and an interception) and held the Commanders to just three points in the first half.

Eberflus mentioned he’s had some great conversations and has received positive feedback from people interested in the position. One person who is not on the list of candidates, though, is Eberflus’ former mentor Rod Marinelli.

“He’s very comfortable in retirement,” Eberflus said. “He’s out in Vegas right now. We talk weekly though for sure.”

Adding a senior defensive assistant to the Bears’ staff would be something new for Eberflus. While he was in Indianapolis for four years, he didn’t have a senior defensive assistant, but he did have someone helping him “advance,” which Eberflus said was a good thing.

With the Vikings coming up on Sunday, now would be a good time to add another person in the defensive room. Even though Justin Jefferson is dealing with a hamstring strain, he is third in the NFL in receiving yards with 571. Kirk Cousins leads the league with 13 passing touchdowns.

The Bears’ defense should be open to all suggestions when it comes to helping the unit.

A senior defensive assistant is a good start.