The have long prided themselves on never firing a head coach during the season.
However, this season’s series of late-game coaching missteps, highlighted by a Thanksgiving debacle, pushed the organization to break that precedent.
The Lions dominant display over Jacksonville Jaguars last season established them as odds-on favorites to win the Super Bowl this season.
, in his third season as head coach, was dismissed following a 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions, where poor clock management in the final minute proved to be the tipping point. Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will step in as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
The Thanksgiving game showcased the struggles that had plagued Eberflus’ tenure. Trailing 23-20 in the final minute, a sack left the Bears scrambling. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams appeared disoriented as time ticked away, and the team failed to use their final timeout.
The last play, a deep and incomplete pass, came after the clock expired. It was emblematic of a season riddled with questionable decisions.
Eberflus’ time with the Bears had been rocky from the start. His first season ended with a dismal 3-14 record, though a late rally in his second season (winning five of their last eight games) gave him another shot.
Buffalo looked the better side as they moved just a game behind their big rivals.
The 2024 season began promisingly at 4-2 by the bye week but quickly unraveled. Williams, who had shown flashes of potential as the first overall pick, began to regress.
The Bears suffered losses marked by baffling decisions, including a Hail Mary loss to Washington and a blocked field goal attempt against Green Bay. Eberflus defended his choices, stating after one loss that certain decisions don’t really matter. However, fans and analysts alike grew increasingly frustrated.