The Las Vegas Raiders will surely be looking for a new head coach next offseason. Many fans want an offensive guru but what if Matt Eberflus could turn the team’s defense into an elite unit?
A long-time NFL coach, Eberflus could be a worthy candidate given his defensive resume. He’s never been a head coach at the professional level, but his track record is impressive. Expected to garner lots of attention next year, Eberflus previously interviewed for coaching vacancies with the Cleveland Browns, among others, the last offseason though teams passed. Nonetheless, his work as the Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator since 2018 makes him a viable option for the Raiders.
Las Vegas has the pieces in place…
Following Jon Gruden’s exit, the Raiders’ offense began to flounder as the team slowly lost its focus and discipline. That was compounded with the tragedy surrounding Henry Ruggs III. With that in mind, none of us know what direction the team will take with so many unanswered questions. Among those questions are the futures of Mike Mayock, Derek Carr, and the current offensive coaching staff. Eberflus, or any new coach for that matter, would pick a new staff, but his defensive prowess could pay dividends for the Silver and Black. From top to bottom, the defense did improve under Gus Bradley. Unfortunately, having an “average” defense just isn’t going to cut it.
Eberflus would have a defense that is full playmaking potential with Maxx Crosby, Yannick Ngakoue, Denzel Perryman, Nate Hobbs, Trevon Moehrig, and Casey Hayward. The team also has intriguing youngsters such as Divine Deablo and Malcolm Koonce. By comparison, Eberflus turned the Colts defense into one of the NFL’s best with hardly any star players other than Darius Leonard and DeForest Buckner. Eberflus’s unit currently is in the top five for turnovers, interceptions, fumble recoveries, and tackles for a loss. The defense also finds itself within the top 20 in many other categories, such as sacks.
Something different…
Again, many Raiders fans would prefer an offensive-minded coach given what they currently have in Carr. A “guru” could finally get this team over the hump, either that, or it would be more of the same. Sooner or later, the Silver and Black have to try something different. Eberflus has proven in his time as a coordinator the ability to modify and alter his schemes and game plan to his roster. What are your thoughts, Raider Nation? Imagine what Eberflus could do with this current defense following upgrades via free agency and the NFL draft?
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*Top Photo: Ashley Landis/The Dallas Morning News
