Kevin Byard only worked under Matt Eberflus for half of a season. Yet in that time, it didn’t take the former All-Pro long to realize something was wrong with the former Chicago Bears head coach. He didn’t say anything at the time. How could he? It would’ve created unnecessary drama when the team didn’t need it. However, the season is about to end now. Chicago’s last game comes Sunday in Green Bay. It appears the veteran safety felt the time was finally right for him to air some grievances about Eberflus.
Keep in mind he never mentioned the name. His comments were more about what makes a good head coach. That sure didn’t stop him from taking thinly veiled shots at Eberflus via an interview with Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. Let’s just say he didn’t hold back.
“I’ve always believed a great head coach operates more like the CEO of the organization,” Byard said. “At the end of the day, this isn’t about scheme. Everybody has great scheme. It’s more about the little things you have to establish as a head coach.
“There are certain things you just can’t let slide. And personally, I think we have had a lot of things happen here this year that have been let go too easily.”
“You address mistakes on the spot,” Byard said. “Like, if you have children and they step out of line, you address it on the spot. If you don’t address it and think you’re going to get changed behavior, good luck. And for us, I think there were little mistakes that would happen and wouldn’t be addressed properly.”
Don’t forget he spent most of his career under Mike Vrabel in Tennessee. The former Titans coach was notorious for his discipline and attention to detail. So once he started experiencing Eberflus’ approach, he must’ve realized it could become problematic. As the season spiraled out of control following the Hail Mary loss in Washington, there was no longer any confusion about what the problem was. Several players hinted at it for weeks. There wasn’t enough accountability or discipline. When Eberflus tried to instill some, it was far too late. Nobody took him seriously. Kevin Byard can only hope the Bears learn from that mistake.
Winning teams are run by coaches who care about the little things. Say what you want about Mike Ditka, but he was notorious for getting bent out of shape when players didn’t do the little things right. Lovie Smith was that way, too. The personality doesn’t have to be a specific type. It is the approach that must stand out.
