by
Coach Matt Eberflus
The Chicago Bears should have a better record than 4-8. That being said, the final straw may have been the 23-20 defeat against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day when Chicago Coach Matt Eberflus failed to take a crucial time out in the final seconds, which may have given the team an opportunity to at least tie the score and send the game into overtime.
On Friday, the Chicago Bears fired Eberflus, marking the first time the organization has ditched a coach during the season.
"This morning, after meeting with [chairman] George [H. McCaskey] and [President and CEO] Kevin [Warren], we informed Matt of our decision to move in a different direction with the leadership of our football team and the head-coaching position," said Bears general manager Ryan Poles in a statement posted on the Bears' website. "I thank Matt for his hard work, professionalism and dedication to our organization. We extend our gratitude for his commitment to the Chicago Bears and wish him and his family the best moving forward."
CEO Warren added:
"I support Ryan and the decision that was made this morning. We understand how imperative the head-coaching role is for building and maintaining a championship-caliber team, leading our players and our organization. Our fans have stood by us and persevered through every challenge, and they deserve better results. Our organizational and operational structure is strong, focused, aligned and energized for the future."
Eberflus was quickly scrubbed from the team's website on Friday.
Instead, it showed Thomas Brown being elevated to interim head coach after serving as offensive coordinator and offensive passing game coordinator to start the season.
