Chicago Bears fans know where they stand on Matt Eberflus. They’ve seen enough after watching him squander so many winnable games, fail to produce a successful offense and win games consistently. He isn’t the guy. The warning signs that players are starting to tune him out aren’t helping. Still, the ultimate decision on his future rests with the trio of GM Ryan Poles, team president Kevin Warren, and chairman George McCaskey. There is no indication as yet that he is in any trouble.
Most Bears insiders have stopped short of offering any confirmation one way or another. Most agree things aren’t great in the locker room, but nobody can say for sure if Eberflus is in serious trouble. That finally changed on Saturday before the team’s matchup at home against the New England Patriots. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog was asked straight up whether the head coach was on the hot seat or not. His one-word answer clearly showed how precarious Eberflus’ position is.
A loss to New England would drop the Bears to 4-5, with their remaining eight games against the NFC North, defending NFC champion 49ers, and always competitive Seattle Seahawks. Nobody in their right mind would believe Eberflus could navigate that gauntlet to post a winning record, much less make the playoffs. The Bears won’t fire him midseason. They never do that. More likely, Poles and Warren will convene to discuss the necessary steps for a coaching change. It has already started. SM reported they’ve already researched possible candidates.
If Matt Eberflus is truly a capable leader, then this is the time to respond. He’s rebounded from bad stretches before. It starts with getting that crucial next win. Being at home certainly helps. Knocking off the Patriots might give the Bears just enough confidence to give Green Bay a competitive battle next week. Anything can happen in the NFL. Then again, if things go as they have the past two weeks, Eberflus will have to update his resume by the time January arrives.
