Why did the Bears fire Matt Eberflus? Chicago moves on from head coach after botched Thanksgiving play

The Bears came into the 2024 season with a newfound excitement surrounding the franchise, but they’re now making a significant change after just 12 games. 

Chicago has fired head coach Matt Eberflus, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It’s the first midseason coaching change in Bears franchise history.

After drafting quarterback phenom Caleb Williams first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, expectations were higher for the Bears this season. But they’re on a six-game losing streak entering Week 14 after a strong 4-2 start to the season, a stretch that’s now led the team to let go of both its offensive coordinator and head coach.

Here’s what to know about the Bears’ decision to fire Eberflus on Friday. 

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Why did the Bears fire Matt Eberflus?The Bears have failed to live up to higher expectations this season after bringing in Williams and other offensive pieces. Even competing in a crowded NFC North, Chicago was hopeful to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. 

Instead, Eberflus, who was in his third season as Chicago’s head coach, led the team to a 4-8 record following Thursday’s 23-20 loss to the Lions. The Thanksgiving loss came in brutal fashion as well, with the Bears misusing the remaining time on the clock after having a chance to tie it with a field goal in the fourth quarter.

— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2024Despite a solid 4-2 start to the season, everything has gone south for the Bears since. They’ve had multiple instances of not being able to close out games, including allowing a Hail Mary conversion to the Commanders, having a game-winning field goal attempt blocked against the Packers and losing an overtime game against the Vikings. 

After yet another loss with a rough late-game execution against Detroit, the Bears parted ways with Eberflus. Schefter reported that offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will now take over as the team’s interim head coach. Earlier in November, Brown also took over as offensive coordinator after Chicago fired Shane Waldron.

Just hours before he was let go, the Bears still held a press conference with Eberflus on Friday morning to discuss Thursday’s loss. As he was answering questions from the media, Eberflus seemed prepared to focus on the Bears’ next matchup.

“I’m confident that I’ll be working onto San Francisco and getting ready for that game.”

Matt Ebeflus on his job security. pic.twitter.com/gLAVg1abBU

— Marquee Bears (@BearsMarquee) November 29, 2024In the team’s statement about firing Eberflus, general manager Ryan Poles thanked the head coach for his “hard work, professionalism and dedication” to the Bears, with team president Kevin Warren including a statement as well.

“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,” Warren said in the statement. “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 energized for the future.”

Chicago’s decision to part ways with Eberflus marks the third head coach firing so far this season. The Jets began the coaching carousel by firing Robert Saleh in October, while the Saints fired Dennis Allen after Week 9. 

Brown, who began November as the team’s passing game coordinator, will be in charge for the Bears over the final stretch of the season. Chicago faces a tough five-game stretch to end the year, with matchups against San Fransisco, Minnesota, Detroit, Seattle and Green Bay lined up.

Matt Eberflus coaching recordYearW-LWin percentagePlayoff result20223-14.176Missed playoffs20237-10.412Missed playoffs20244-8.333–Totals:14-32.304 Eberflus went 14-32 over his time as the Bears’ head coach, his only NFL head coaching experience. Prior to joining Chicago, he served as the Colts’ defensive coordinator for four seasons.

After Eberflus took over the franchise for Matt Nagy, the Bears went just 3-14 in 2022. They did show some improvements under Eberflus last season, winning four more games, but Chicago hasn’t made the most of its talent so far this season.