Bears Fire Matt Eberflus Following Thanksgiving Day Loss to Lions, Marking Historic Midseason Move
The Chicago Bears have officially parted ways with head coach Matt Eberflus, making him the first coach in the franchise’s storied history to be fired midseason. The decision comes in the aftermath of a devastating 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day, a defeat that not only extended the team’s woes but also marked the breaking point for a season riddled with frustration, questionable leadership, and declining morale.
Locker Room Fallout
The Bears’ locker room after Thursday’s game was described as a scene of frustration and fury. Players reportedly expressed outrage over Eberflus’ time management in critical moments, particularly his failure to call a timeout before the Lions’ final play. Team captain Jaylon Johnson was among the most vocal, expressing deep disappointment over repeated coaching missteps.
“We’ve fought back too many times to lose because of bad decisions,” one player told The Athletic.
The post-game environment was tense, with heated arguments and players openly venting their frustrations. While Eberflus attempted to address the team, his speech was cut short as emotions boiled over.
Declining Confidence in Leadership
Eberflus’ firing wasn’t solely based on the Lions’ loss—it was the culmination of a season-long erosion of trust in his decision-making and leadership. While the coach publicly took responsibility for the team’s struggles, his tone reportedly lacked sincerity, leaving players and staff disillusioned.
The move to fire offensive coordinator Shane Waldron earlier in the season also backfired. Waldron’s implementation of a “pure progression passing system” was deemed overly complicated for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, hindering offensive cohesion. Players believed the offensive overhaul erased the progress made under offensive line coach Chris Morgan, further fueling dissatisfaction.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Bears’ decision to part ways with Eberflus signals a desire to reset their trajectory amid growing turmoil. The loss to the Lions—a playoff-bound team led by a resurgent defense and an efficient offense—served as a stark reminder of Chicago’s widening gap with its divisional rivals.
With the coaching vacancy now open, the Bears must work swiftly to stabilize the franchise, starting with finding a leader who can rebuild trust, maximize the team’s talent, and reverse the downward spiral as they look toward the future.