Matt Eberflus was fired by the Chicago Bears on Friday after his costly decision not to call a timeout sealed Chicago's 23-20 loss to Detroit on Thanksgiving Day. CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones reports Thomas Brown will take over as interim head coach. Brown was recently promoted from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator, replacing the fired Shane Waldron.
Eberflus, who spent four years as the Colts defensive coordinator prior to coming to Chicago, went 14-32 during his tenure with the Bears, which lasted less than three years. The Bears went 3-14 in his first season, 7-10 last season and started 4-8 this season. This year's team started 4-2 start but has since lost six straight games.
The Bears' last three losses have come in excruciating fashion. They lost to the Packers by a point in Week 11, lost by a field goal in overtime vs. Minnesota a week later and were defeated on Thanksgiving after Eberflus opted not to use his final timeout in the game's final minute. They also lost a game to the Washington Commanders on a last-second Hail Mary.
Eberflus becomes the third head coach to lose his job during the season. The Jets fired Robert Saleh just five games into the season (and have since fired GM Joe Douglas). The Saints parted ways with Dennis Allen after the team's 2-7 start.
Whoever replaces Eberflus will take over a roster that has significant pieces already in place. Chicago has rookie quarterback Caleb Williams (who currently leads the NFL in attempts), a solid corps of skill players and a defense that is currently top-10 in the league in fewest points allowed.
