In a stunning turn of events, the Chicago Bears have relieved head coach Matt Eberflus of his duties effective immediately, according to sources close to the organization. The decision comes on the heels of Thursday night’s 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions, a game marred by clock mismanagement and conservative decision-making in crucial moments.
Eberflus’ tenure in Chicago ends after compiling a 14-32 record over two-plus seasons, including a dismal 5-19 mark in one-score games – the worst record of any coach with at least 20 such contests. The Bears had hoped Eberflus could oversee the development of promising young quarterback Caleb Williams and lead the team back to playoff contention, but a series of game management gaffes and inability to close out tight games ultimately sealed his fate.
A Tenure Defined by Near Misses and Questionable Calls
From the stunning Week 8 loss on a tipped Hail Mary against the Washington Commanders to a blocked potential game-winning field goal versus the Green Bay Packers, Eberflus’ Bears repeatedly found ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Thursday’s contest encapsulated the frustrations, as Eberflus opted not to call timeout to preserve time for a game-tying field goal attempt, allowing precious seconds to bleed away.
We did enough as players to win this game.
– Bears receiver Keenan Allen
Eberflus defended his endgame decisions both after the loss to Detroit and in a Friday Zoom press conference, insisting that the situation was “handled the right way.” But for a Bears team that has consistently come up short in high-leverage moments, those words rang hollow.
Developing Caleb Williams a Bright Spot Amid the Turmoil
Amidst the late-game letdowns and mounting losses, the progress shown by quarterback Caleb Williams has been a rare positive for the Bears. The first-round pick has flashed tantalizing potential, throwing five touchdown passes and zero interceptions over the past two games while setting the record for most pass attempts without a pick to begin an NFL career.
Finding the right coach to foster Williams’ growth and help him reach his ceiling will undoubtedly be a top priority as the Bears embark on their latest coaching search. Continuity and scheme fit will be key factors, making current offensive coordinator Thomas Brown a potential candidate to interview for the permanent job.
New Regime, New Vision for Bears Football
While general manager Ryan Poles will likely have input in selecting the next head coach, there are questions about how much autonomy he will have in the process. In his second year on the job, Poles’ roster construction and the failures of his hand-picked coaching staff have come under scrutiny.
Team president Kevin Warren, who joined the Bears in February after 15 years as an NFL executive with the Vikings and the last three as Big Ten commissioner, is expected to take on an influential role in the coaching search alongside chairman George McCaskey. The new power structure and vision they implement will shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.
Patience and commitment to the plan were key last year, but after a season with almost no tangible progress, the calculus has changed. Everything is on the table.
– Source close to the Bears front office
As the Bears’ focus shifts to the 2025 draft and offseason, bolstering the offense around Williams figures to be the top priority. With the No. 10 overall pick, Chicago could target elite prospects like Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. or add an impact playmaker to a receiving corps in need of star power.
The sting of another lost season and the pain of moving on from a head coach mired in mediocrity could be assuaged by finally getting the right leader in place to steer a talented young roster toward its full potential. For Eberflus, it’s an unceremonious end to a tenure that never quite found its footing. For the Bears, it’s a chance to write a new chapter – and this time, hopefully, get it right.
