It has been a tough few years for the Chicago Bears with a losing record that brought them the first pick in the NFL Draft for 2024.  But despite selecting Heisman Trophy Award winner Caleb Williams, the team still struggles.

Those difficulties culminated in a loss to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day after a timeout was not called with 30 seconds remaining in the game but instead saw the Bears waste those remaining 30 seconds to lose the game 23-20; for their sixth loss in a row.

For the first time ever in Chicago Bears history, the team fired a head coach in the middle of a season.  Head coach Matt Eberflus was let go with a record of 14 and 32 (4-8 in 2024).

Bears Offensive Coordinator Thomas Brown will take over the head coaching duties for the remainder of the season.  Brown replaced former OC Shane Waldron earlier in the season after a 19-3 loss to the New England Patriots.  Waldron lasted just nine games with the Bears.

Bears General Manager Ryan Poles spoke on the matter saying, “this morning … we informed Matt of our decision to move in a different direction with the leadership of our football team and the head coaching position. “  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.”

Under Eberflus, the Bears have seen an increasing number of clock management issues and miscommunications between team members.

Under Eberflus’ tenure, defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned, Bears fired running backs coach David Walker, and many of the offensive staff assistants were let go.

Staying with Eberflus in 2023, the Bears won five of their seven games late in the season.  At the time Poles noted that he was “impressed with Eberflus’ leadership through hard times.” Adding, “we had some adversity early in the season, in the middle of the season, his ability to stand strong and keep the team together was incredible.”

But despite trading for Kennan Allen, the Bears have failed to add to their win column.