Matt Eberflus is no longer head coach of the Bears.

The decision to part ways came after a disheartening 23-20 defeat to the Lions on Thanksgiving Day, marking a significant turning point for the Chicago franchise. Now, the Bears are searching for a new leader to help reinvigorate their team and restore success.

Currently sitting at 4-8, Chicago finds itself in position to select early in the upcoming draft. With a promising roster, they are seen as one of the most attractive jobs available this hiring cycle. Only the Jets and Saints are looking for new head coaches at this time, placing the Bears at the top of that list.

This firing represents a notable event in Bears history, as it’s the first time they have made a coaching change mid-season. By acting now, the team aims to get ahead in the upcoming hiring landscape. Here’s a closer look at the rationale behind this decision.

What led to the Bears firing Matt Eberflus?

Matt Eberflus’ issues have been evident throughout his three years as head coach, and they were highlighted in a critical moment during the Thanksgiving game against the Lions.

With one timeout remaining, Eberflus watched as rookie quarterback Caleb Williams struggled in the final seconds, which could have led to a game-tying field goal. Instead, Williams’ last-minute throw to Rome Odunze fell short as the clock expired.

Post-game, players voiced their frustrations, hinting that a change was imminent.

“We had enough to win,” said Keenan Allen, reflecting the team’s sentiments on the situation.

This statement encapsulates Eberflus’ tenure: always close yet never quite there.

His record in one-score games is troubling, standing at 5-19. Overall, he’s compiled a 14-32 record and is just 3-19 in away games.

Ultimately, Eberflus has failed to deliver any real success for the franchise. He was hired from the Colts with hopes of stabilizing the team after the departures of head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace. The aim was to support second-year quarterback Justin Fields in his development as a franchise player.

Instead, the team continued to struggle and earned the first overall pick, which they used to select Williams after a trade with the Panthers. Eberflus’ dismissal signifies a shift in the organization as they seek to avoid past mistakes.

A coach focused on defense, Eberflus was often ineffective with challenges, unsuccessfully disputing five calls this season, many of which were unlikely to be overturned. His rationale for challenging a 69-yard reception in Week 12 showcased this issue, as he believed its impact warranted a challenge despite a poor angle on the play.

During the Thanksgiving game, he attempted to challenge a play involving Jameson Williams, incorrectly believing it was a fumble when it was evidently an incomplete pass.

Adding to these issues was his poor choice in offensive coordinator, having fired Shane Waldron only nine games into the season. The Bears now appear to have a promising quarterback in place, but without the right leadership hire, they risk repeating their previous misfortunes.

Matt Eberflus’ coaching record

Under Eberflus, victories have been scarce, achieving only 14 wins in 46 games. Here’s a breakdown of his yearly performance:

• 2022: 3-14
• 2023: 7-10
• 2024: 4-8 (fired after Week 13)