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Matt Eberflus was probably working on borrowed time this season before finally being fired on Friday. Many called for his job after the Chicago Bears went 7–10 last season, beginning the campaign with four consecutive losses and a 2–7 start.
The Bears were on the way to the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft as a result of a trade with the Carolina Panthers the previous year and it was questionable whether or not a franchise quarterback prospect—widely projected to be USC star Caleb Williams—should begin his career with a coach likely to be fired.
But then Chicago began to play better under Eberflus.
5–3 finish saved Eberflus’ job last season
Players quitting on a coach is probably the worst indictment, yet the Bears weren’t doing that. They were playing hard for him and the results began showing on the scoreboard. The turnaround began with a Week 10 win over the Panthers, then became two of three victories before their bye week.
After the bye, Chicago went 5-2 in its final seven games, including a win over the Detroit Lions. The Bears still finished last in the NFC North, but general manager Ryan Poles said the improved play demonstrated leadership and believed keeping Eberflus would maintain stability.
“Just in terms of his leadership and stability,” Poles said. “I really think that the head coach needs to be able to captain the ship when the seas have storms and really keep everything settled. When you go through hard times and you can keep everyone together, that’s the critical piece in a big market like this. You have to be strong.”
New offense, new franchise QB
Keeping his job, Eberflus quickly made changes to his offensive staff in anticipation of adding a new, young quarterback. Luke Getsy was dismissed and Shane Waldron was hired.
In three seasons leading the Seattle Seahawks’ offense, Waldron worked with Russell Wilson, then helped revive Geno Smith’s career. The thinking was that he could play a major role in tutoring Williams in his…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/how-bears-doomed-final-season-under-matt-eberflus-slowly-painfully-reached-inevitable-conclusion-214249983.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-11-29 21:42:00
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