Time Runs Out on Matt Eberflus: What’s Next for the Chicago Bears?
Time officially ran out Thursday night—not just on another gut-wrenching Chicago Bears loss, but also on Matt Eberflus’ tenure as head coach. The Bears announced Friday, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, that Eberflus had been fired, just hours after he confidently told reporters in a Zoom press conference that he expected to coach the team’s next game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 8.
The final nail in the coffin? A 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions that left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads over Eberflus’ clock management. With 32 seconds left and the Bears facing a third-and-26 at the Lions’ 41-yard line, Eberflus opted not to call a timeout. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked, and in a desperate attempt to salvage the drive, he hurried his teammates to the line for a final play. The result? A slow-developing pass to Rome Odunze that ran out the clock, leaving kicker Cairo Santos without a chance to attempt a 58-yard game-tying field goal.
In the Bears’ locker room, the mood was more resigned than outraged. This wasn’t their first heartbreak of the season. From a tipped 52-yard Hail Mary against the Washington Commanders—where cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was caught taunting fans mid-play—to a blocked field goal against the Green Bay Packers, and an overtime collapse against the Minnesota Vikings, the Bears have seemingly perfected the art of losing in dramatic fashion.
Thursday’s loss marked Chicago’s sixth straight defeat, dropping Eberflus’ record to a dismal 14-32, including a league-worst 5-19 in one-score games. According to ESPN, that’s the worst record of any coach with at least 20 one-score games in NFL history.
“We did enough as players to win this game,” said wide receiver Keenan Allen after the game. But the numbers—and the results—tell a different story.
Bright Spot: Caleb Williams’ Record-Breaking Streak
If there’s one silver lining in this otherwise bleak season, it’s the emergence of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams threw three touchdown passes on Thursday, bringing his total to five over the past two weeks. Even more impressive? He’s thrown 232 passes without an interception, setting a new NFL record for rookies. Developing Williams into a franchise quarterback will undoubtedly be the top priority for whoever takes over as head coach.
What Went Wrong for Eberflus?
So, what exactly led to Eberflus’ downfall? It was a combination of poor decision-making, questionable coaching hires, and an inability to win close games. Developing Williams was supposed to be the focus, but Eberflus’ revolving door of offensive coordinators didn’t help. He fired Shane Waldron midseason, after Waldron had replaced Luke Getsy, who was let go in January. In total, Eberflus fired eight coaches during his two-plus seasons in Chicago.
Then there were the in-game blunders. Against Washington, Eberflus allowed a 13-yard pass to set up a 52-yard Hail Mary, which cost the Bears the game. Afterward, he dismissed the penultimate play as irrelevant, saying, “It’s always going to come down to [defending] the last play.” Several players publicly disagreed.
Against Green Bay, Eberflus chose not to run one final play to get Santos closer for a game-winning 48-yard field goal, which was ultimately blocked. And in Detroit, his decision not to call a timeout in the final seconds sealed his fate. Eberflus defended his clock management, saying it was “handled the right way,” but the results speak for themselves.
What’s Next for the Bears?
With Eberflus out, the Bears now face several pressing questions:
- Will the next coach be offensive-minded? Given Williams’ potential, it’s likely. Interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown could be a candidate if Williams continues to thrive under his guidance. Other names to watch include Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson and Buffalo Bills OC Joe Brady.
- Who will make the final decision? Team president Kevin Warren, who replaced Ted Phillips last year, will likely play a significant role. While GM Ryan Poles technically has final say, there’s a growing perception that Warren is calling the shots.
- What about the 2025 draft? The Bears have several needs, particularly on the offensive line. Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. could be a top target, along with defensive standouts like Michigan’s Mason Graham and Penn State’s Abdul Carter.
Final Thoughts
For a franchise that had hoped to be competing for a playoff spot, the 2024 season has been a bitter disappointment. But with a promising young quarterback in Caleb Williams and a high draft pick on the horizon, the Bears have a chance to turn things around. The question is: Will they make the right moves this time?
Originally Written by: Courtney Cronin
