In a stunning midseason move, the Chicago Bears have fired head coach Matt Eberflus following the team’s 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. The decision came after a contentious postgame locker room scene and extended the Bears’ losing streak to six games, effectively ending any hopes of a playoff run.
According to team sources, the atmosphere in the visitor’s locker room at Ford Field was tense after the Bears squandered a fourth quarter lead. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson reportedly interrupted Eberflus’ postgame speech, shouting obscenities out of frustration with the team’s repeated inability to close out games. The incident was described as a “shit show” by one player, with another calling the locker room vibe “different” and “contentious.”
Questionable Game Management Sealed Eberflus’ Fate
The breaking point for the Bears’ front office appeared to be Eberflus’ clock management in the final minute against the Lions. With the Bears driving for a potential tying field goal, Eberflus failed to call a timeout after quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked with 30 seconds remaining. The Bears ran out of time before they could get off another play, leaving players and coaches stunned.
“We practice those situations all the time,” wide receiver Keenan Allen said. “I feel like we did enough… with those penalties, we still should have a field goal [attempt].”
– Keenan Allen, Bears wide receiver
Eberflus, who was hired in 2022, finishes his Bears tenure with a 5-19 record in one-score games, the worst in NFL history among coaches with at least 20 such contests. His game management had come under increasing scrutiny as the Bears consistently found ways to lose close games during their six-game skid.
Offensive Coordinator Brown Named Interim Coach
Bears offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, who was promoted to the role on Nov. 12, will take over as interim head coach for the final five games of the season. Brown has earned praise for his work with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who has thrown five touchdowns and no interceptions in the two games since Brown took over play-calling duties.
“He’s the real deal,” one front office source said of Brown.
– Anonymous Bears front office source on Thomas Brown
Bears Begin Search for New Leader
While Brown will be considered for the permanent job, the Bears are expected to cast a wide net in their coaching search. Potential candidates include Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Washington Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury.
General manager Ryan Poles, who will lead the hiring process, said he is looking for a “leader of men” to take over the team. The new coach will be tasked with continuing the development of franchise QB Caleb Williams and turning around a Bears team that has not made the playoffs since 2019.
The decision to dismiss Eberflus marks the Bears’ first midseason coaching change in franchise history. While the move was undoubtedly influenced by the team’s on-field struggles, it is clear that Eberflus’ inability to command the locker room also played a significant role. As one team source put it, “There was frustration… I saw frustration.”
The Bears will now turn their attention to the future, hoping that a new voice and a fresh start can help get the storied franchise back on track. The next head coach will face immense pressure to win in a city starved for football success, but they will also inherit a talented young core led by one of the NFL’s most promising young quarterbacks in Caleb Williams. The Eberflus era may have ended in disappointment, but the Bears remain hopeful that brighter days lie ahead.
