The Chicago Bears have officially parted ways with head coach Matt Eberflus following a disappointing 4-8 start to the season.
NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero were first to report the firing on Friday, citing sources within the organization. Thomas Brown, recently promoted to offensive coordinator, will now take over as interim head coach, marking a dramatic shift for the franchise as they navigate through the remaining weeks of the season.
Eberflus’ dismissal was confirmed shortly after a series of meetings involving team chairman George McCaskey, team president Kevin Warren, and general manager Ryan Poles. In a public statement, Poles thanked Eberflus for his contributions: “After meeting with George and Kevin, we informed Matt of our decision to move in a different direction. We’re grateful for his hard work and dedication and wish him the best moving forward.”
Kevin Warren echoed the sentiment but acknowledged the need for change. “Our fans have stood by us through every challenge, and they deserve better results. We believe in our organizational structure and are focused on building a championship-caliber team,” he said.
The firing marks a historic first for the Bears—never before in their storied history have they dismissed a head coach midseason. Eberflus departs with a 14-32 record over nearly three seasons. Each year began with the same pattern: four or fewer wins through Week 12, ultimately sealing his fate.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
Calls for Eberflus’ removal were loud during the offseason, particularly with the arrival of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Many believed a fresh start with a new coach would help nurture the young QB’s development. However, the Bears stuck with Eberflus, who hired Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator. Despite bolstering their roster with new weapons, the offensive struggles persisted.
Waldron was dismissed after Week 10, and Brown was promoted to offensive play-caller. While Brown sparked some offensive improvements, the defense—long considered the backbone of Eberflus’ philosophy—collapsed. A string of losses following the Week 7 bye showcased poor game management and defensive breakdowns.
Notably, in Week 8, a failed Hail Mary against Washington exposed the team’s lack of preparation. A home loss to New England and a blocked field goal in Week 11 against Green Bay further highlighted glaring coaching errors. The breaking point came during Thursday’s Thanksgiving loss to Detroit. Eberflus, with a timeout in hand, watched his rookie quarterback let precious seconds tick away after a late sack, squandering any chance of a game-tying field goal.
Eberflus’ inability to manage critical moments defined his tenure and ultimately led to his dismissal. His exit leaves Caleb Williams facing a challenge familiar to Bears fans: playing under a different head coach in his second season. This marks the third straight first-round QB for Chicago to face such a transition, following Mitchell Trubisky and Justin Fields.
Now, Thomas Brown steps into the spotlight, tasked with guiding the Bears through the final five weeks of the season. His performance could shape Chicago’s search for a permanent head coach and provide a crucial foundation for Williams’ development in 2025.
As the Bears look ahead, fans are left wondering if this shakeup will finally stabilize a franchise that has struggled for consistency in recent years. One thing is certain: with five games left, all eyes are on Brown and how he handles the immense pressure of leading a team desperate for a turnaround.