The Chicago Bears have run out of patience with their head coach, Matt Eberflus. The franchise announced on Friday that it relieved Eberflus of his duties while naming offensive coordinator Thomas Brown as interim head coach.
The Bears made a decision after suffering six straight losses following a 4-2 start of the season. Their most recent loss came in a Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions on Thursday, in which they botched the opportunity to score a tying field goal or winning touchdown due to clock mismanagement.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles said that Eberflus’ firing came after the franchise decided to go in a “different direction.”
“I thank Matt for his hard work, professionalism, and dedication to our organization. We extend our gratitude for his commitment to the Chicago Bears and wish him and his family the best moving forward,” said Poles.
Hired ahead of the 2022 NFL season, Eberflus compiled a 10-24 record in his first season as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. He entered the 2024 campaign already on a hot seat, considering that the Bears invested heavily into improving their roster while also drafting a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, Caleb Williamson.
It appeared that things clicked for the Bears and Eberflus early in the season as they shook off a 1-2 start with a three-game winning streak. However, things went downwards even as Williamson continued to improve as the defense failed to keep up its good momentum.
At 4-8, the Bears are all but eliminated from the playoff picture. They will now use the rest of the campaign to develop Williamson while also providing Brown with an audition for the permanent head-coaching gig.
Starting the season as a passing game coordinator, Brown was elevated to offensive coordinator and play-caller three weeks ago. Since then, Williamson has shown massive improvement, and the Bears’ offense played a lot better. Brown will reportedly find an offensive coordinator among the existing staff while keeping the play-calling duties.
