Matt Eberflus should count himself lucky. He became head coach of the Chicago Bears, who have never fired somebody midseason in their century-long existence. He also has a GM in charge who has firmly had his back throughout this organization’s many setbacks. In almost any other situation, he would’ve been fired already. Squandering a 4-2 start to reach 4-7 and kill any playoff hopes is inexcusable. Coaches have been fired for significantly less. Yet rumors persist that Poles may try to convince team brass to stay the course one more year.
At least, that was the case a few weeks ago. It isn’t anymore. A source informed SM that Eberflus’ fate has already been decided. Expectations are that he will be fired, and Poles will remain GM to lead the search for a replacement. So what changed? The belief is the breaking point came when the Bears lost to New England 19-3 at home. It was a game they should’ve won. The fact that the team looked so unprepared and half-interested finally convinced Poles that a change was needed.
Ownership remains unenthusiastic about firing a coach midseason. However, two factors are in play that could finally break that streak. One is the possibility of getting humiliated on national TV against Detroit on Thanksgiving. It would be Eberflus’ sixth loss in a row, dropping his record against the NFC North to 2-13. The other is the recent ascent of new offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. There is a growing buzz around him in the locker room. His rapid turnaround of Caleb Williams has caught the attention of many in the building. Some feel he has legitimate head coach qualities. Firing Eberflus on Black Friday would give him a five-game audition to win the job. Ryan Poles was the one who led the charge to hire him in the first place.
One thing is clear. Eberflus is on borrowed time. It is only a matter of how much is left. The answer should be forthcoming in the next 72 hours.
