NFL

Bears fire coach Eberflus after another last-minute flop

By Sports Desk November 29, 2024

The Chicago Bears have fired head coach Matt Eberflus, announcing the move a day after another embarrassing defeat extended their losing streak to six games.

Thomas Brown has been elevated to interim head coach.

The Bears’ 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions on Thursday was final straw for the club’s ownership, which has been historically hesitant to make in-season moves.

Down 23-7 to start the fourth, the Bears rallied to within a field goal with 5:36 remaining. On their next drive, Chicago got within field goal range but were unable to tie the game due to poor time management.

During the Bears’ current six-game skid, they have lost four games by three points or fewer.

“This morning, after meeting with [chairperson] George [H. McCaskey] and [President and CEO] Kevin [Warren], we informed Matt of our decision to move in a different direction with the leadership of our football team and the head-coaching position,” Bears general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement.

Warren added: “I support Ryan and the decision that was made this morning. We understand how imperative the head-coaching role is for building and maintaining a championship-caliber team, leading our players and our organization.

“Our fans have stood by us and persevered through every challenge, and they deserve better results. Our organizational and operational structure is strong, focused, aligned and energised for the future.”

The decision may have caught Eberflus by surprise, with the Bears announcing his dismissal mere hours after he told reporters he was “confident” he would remain the club’s head coach.

Eberflus’ sacking is just the latest marker in a season that began with great hope but has continually disappointed.

Brown will receive his second promotion this month. After starting the season as the quarterbacks coach, Brown took over as offensive coordinator when the Bears fired Shane Waldron.

Stuck in the middle of the upheaval has been rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who has produced mostly positive results after being the No. 1 overall pick in April.

Williams has completed 61.6 percent of his passes for 2,612 yards with 14 touchdowns and five interceptions.

For a franchise known for defence, Chicago will almost certainly make future coaching decisions centred on Williams’ development.

 

 

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