Matt Eberflus supplied the general public remarks typically made by head coaches on the recent seat after the Bears’ most up-to-date loss. The franchise is nonetheless making an unprecedented in-season change on the sidelines.
Eberflus has been fired, as first reported by Sports activities Illustrated’s Albert Breer. His tenure in Chicago ends after two-plus years on the helm. He compiled a 14-32 document alongside the best way, and the newest contribution to the crew’s present six-game shedding streak has marked the tip of his first NFL head teaching gig. Lately promoted offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will function interim head coach, and Tom Pelissero of NFL Community provides.
Eberflus had a stable four-year run because the Colts’ defensive coordinator earlier than being employed by the Bears to interchange Matt Nagy. The 54-year-old couldn’t information the crew to a run of success in two seasons with Justin Fields as quarterback, though in the course of the second half of final 12 months, particularly, the protection confirmed indicators of enchancment. A number of strikes this previous offseason added new faces on offense, highlighted by the choice to maneuver on from Fields and choose Caleb Williams with the primary total decide. The latter’s rookie season has been marred by a string of shut losses in latest weeks, a number of of which have elevated the hypothesis that Eberflus wouldn’t final the 12 months.
Chicago had a 4-2 document heading into the bye week, indicating the crew would not less than be aggressive in what has confirmed to be a powerful NFC North. The Bears misplaced to the Commanders on a Hail Mary (throughout which cornerback Tyrique Stevenson joined Eberflus in receiving appreciable blame) in Week 8, nevertheless, and that marked the start of the present streak. Low-scoring defeats in opposition to the Cardinals and Patriots led to a play-calling change on offense, with Brown taking up from Shane Waldron as OC.
Williams’ play has typically improved since that transfer was made, however slim losses to the Packers (on a blocked subject purpose), Vikings (in extra time) and Lions (throughout which the Bears mismanaged the scenario on the finish of the sport and didn’t generate not less than an try at a game-tying subject purpose) have now left Eberflus out of alternatives to rebound this season. Chicago sits at 4-8 on the 12 months with the postseason now not a sensible risk. He defended how the Thanksgiving sport ended Thursday earlier than a short media availability Friday morning. Shortly after a number of public appearances — throughout which, in each instances, he expressed a perception he can be retained — Eberflus is now out of the group.
Three head teaching vacancies are actually current within the NFL. The Jets moved on from Robert Saleh, whereas the Saints dismissed Dennis Allen. Eberflus joins them as a head coach with a defensive background who’s searching for a brand new alternative. No scarcity of candidates (significantly on the offensive facet of the ball) shall be concerned within the 2025 hiring cycle, and certain the earliest Eberflus will be a part of a brand new employees.
Brown made his NFL teaching debut in 2020 with the Rams. He was a member of Sean McVay‘s employees for 3 years earlier than taking the Panthers’ OC gig final offseason. The 2023 marketing campaign noticed head coach Frank Reich fired amidst adjustments in play-calling duties with Brown. The latter spent a lot of the 12 months on the helm, although, and the shortage of improvement proven by quarterback Bryce Younger helped result in his departure. In a really brief interval, Brown has ascended from passing sport coordinator to OC and, not less than for a short-term spell, head coach.
From a big-picture perspective, Friday’s transfer represents the continuation of an unwelcome pattern relating to the HC-QB mixture in Chicago. Mitch Trubisky spent one season with John Fox earlier than a change on the sidelines was made. Nagy, in flip, spent one 12 months with Fields in place earlier than being dismissed on the finish of the 2021 marketing campaign. Eberflus has obtained lower than one full marketing campaign following the Williams choice. The younger passer’s improvement is the group’s prime precedence, and discovering a long-term coach to pair him with for 2025 and past shall be essential in that course of.
In all, Eberflus turns into the fifth Bears head coach to be fired since George McCaskey took over as chairman in 2011. Over that span, Chicago has posted a profitable document solely twice whereas biking by way of three normal managers and one other three offensive coordinators. Discovering stability shall be key shifting ahead, however the newest try on that entrance will embrace a brand new voice on the sidelines.
