NFL insider reveals surprising reaction from Chicago Bears after firing of Matt Eberflus

The Matt Eberflus era in Chicago came to an end Friday, as the Bears announced the firing of the head coach after 46 games in charge.

Eberflus’ dismissal came one day after the 23-20 Thanksgiving Day defeat to the Detroit Lions (1-11), in which some questionable in-game management doomed the Bears’ chances of pulling off the upset. Dianna Russini of The Athletic spoke with some inside the organization after the game, one that was “very overwhelming in terms of emotion and frustration for everyone.” One player described the feeling to Russini as “absolute disbelief” and “something I’ve never been part of in my career.”

Those closing moments of the loss to Detroit were a perfect summation of Eberflus’ tenure. Trailing by three points with 36 seconds remaining, quarterback Caleb Williams took an untimely sack on second-and-20 from the Lions’ 35-yard line.

Eberflus had one timeout in his back pocket but decided against using it. Instead, the Bears let the clock wind down, not snapping the ball until there were six seconds left. A deep ball to receiver Rome Odunze fell incomplete and time ran out. The Bears dropped their sixth consecutive game.

Bears fire Matt Eberflus amid six-game losing streak

Eberflus, hired in January 2022 after a four-season stint as defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts (5-7), ultimately didn’t win enough in Chicago. He went 14-32, finishing last in the NFC North in back-to-back seasons. Chicago is in the basement again, as their division counterparts in the Lions (10-1), Minnesota Vikings (9-2) and Green Bay Packers (9-3) all have one foot in the postseason.

The Bears were especially poor in one-score games under Eberflus, going 5-19. Their .208 winning percentage was the worst of any team in the NFL. Chicago will now look to hire the 18th head coach in its history following Eberflus’ firing. Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

“This morning, after meeting with [chairman] 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. “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.”