After a clock management meltdown that left ex-players, reporters and football fans stunned on Thanksgiving, the Chicago Bears have parted ways with head coach Matt Eberflus.
Eberflus was fired shortly after meeting with the media on Friday morning. During his press conference, Eberflus said he was “confident” that he would be coaching the team in San Francisco next Sunday.
Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Brown was the team’s passing game coordinator until he was promoted ahead of Week 11 to replace the recently fired Shane Waldron.
It’s the first time in the 105-year history of the franchise that the organization has fired a head coach during the season. Eberflus’ 14-32 record (.304 winning percentage) ranks as the third-worst in Bears history, ahead of only John Fox (14-34, .292) and Abe Gibron (11-30-1, .274).
In a statement released just before noon on Friday, general manager Ryan Poles said, “This morning, after meeting with [chairman] George [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. I thank Matt for his hard work, professionalism and dedication to our organization. We extend our gratitude for his commitment to the Chicago Bears and wish him and his family the best moving forward.”
Warren said, “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 energized for the future.”
Eberflus finishes his tenure in Chicago 5-19 in one-possession games, 3-18 on the road, including zero road wins on Sundays, and 2-13 within the NFC North.
The final straw for the organization seemingly came when Eberflus failed to call a timeout at any point after Caleb Williams took a sack with :31 left in the fourth quarter at the Detroit 41, draining the rest of the clock before Williams couldn’t connect with Rome Odunze on an endzone shot as time expired.
The truly bizarre finish left players, broadcasters and fans alike befuddled. Keenan Allen told reporters after the game, “I feel like we did enough as players to win the game.” When asked why the Bears have struggled in these late-game situations, Kyler Gordon said, “Next question, no comment.” DJ Moore said, “I don’t know why we didn’t call a timeout.”
Meanwhile, Eberflus told reporters, “I think we handled it the right way.” When asked if he expected to remain head coach following the loss, Eberflus said, “I’m going to keep
grinding and working, and that’s what I do.”
