The Chicago Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus after a disastrous Thanksgiving Day loss to the Detroit Lions, marking the team’s first in-season coaching change in over 100 years. The loss, fueled by questionable clock management in the final seconds, intensified calls for Eberflus’s dismissal.
Thanksgiving Day Debacle Seals Eberflus’s Fate
The Bears held a late-game timeout and were within field goal range, poised to tie or win against the Lions. However, a sack and penalty pushed them out of range. With 30 seconds remaining and one timeout, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams failed to spike the ball, leading to a game-ending incompletion and a 23-20 loss.
Quarterback Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Novembe…
Photo: Mike Mulholland/Getty Images. Caleb Williams observes the game clock during the final moments of the Bears’ loss to the Lions.
Eberflus Blames Williams, Sparks Controversy
Following the defeat, Eberflus controversially blamed Williams for the clock mismanagement, stating the plan was to run a play with 18 seconds remaining, throw the ball inbounds, and then call a timeout. This explanation drew widespread criticism, with many arguing the coaching staff should have recognized the situation and called the timeout themselves.
Williams responded by saying he was simply following the play call and trusting the coaches’ decisions, emphasizing his focus on leading the team. This public disagreement further highlighted the dysfunction within the Bears organization. The rookie quarterback stated that while he might take more initiative in later years, he’s currently focused on executing the plays given to him.
Stephen A. Smith and Others Demand Immediate Action
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith vehemently criticized Eberflus’s performance, stating he should have been fired immediately after the game. Smith’s comments echoed the sentiments of many fans and analysts who felt Eberflus’s clock management was inexcusable. Social media erupted with calls for his dismissal, and the hashtag #FireEberflus trended nationally.
Image: Stephen A. Smith calls for Matt Eberflus’s immediate firing on First Take.
Bears Usher in a New Era
The Bears officially announced Eberflus’s firing on Black Friday, signaling a commitment to building a winning culture around their young quarterback. The move acknowledges the need for a fresh start and a coach who can maximize Williams’s potential. The team is now searching for a new head coach, hoping to find someone who can lead them to long-term success.
Image: Official NFL announcement of the Chicago Bears parting ways with head coach Matt Eberflus.
This unexpected turn of events leaves the Bears at a crossroads. The team’s next hire will be crucial in determining the future of the franchise and whether they can develop Caleb Williams into a true franchise quarterback.
