As the Chicago Bears break the halfway point of their 2024 season, the question on every fan’s mind is whether head coach Matt Eberflus will survive the current crisis. After a promising 4-2 start, the Bears have stumbled, losing three consecutive games, including an embarrassing 19-3 defeat to the New England Patriots. The team’s struggles have intensified the heat on Eberflus, who is in his third season with Chicago, and whispers about his future are growing louder.
The Bears’ loss to the Patriots, a team with only two wins on the year, was a tipping point for many observers. Not only did it mark another loss in a season that was supposed to represent progress, but it also prompted a wave of frustration from the Bears fan base. Chants of “Fire Flus” rang out late in the game, demonstrating the growing discontent among the fanbase. More concerning for Eberflus, however, are the rumblings from within the locker room. Veteran players have offered vague but pointed responses when asked about the team’s direction under Eberflus, with many suggesting that internal issues may be contributing to the on-field struggles.
At 14-28 overall as head coach and with a notoriously poor record on the road (3-18), Eberflus’ tenure in Chicago is beginning to feel like a failed experiment. While his defensive philosophy has had its moments, the lack of consistency and overall poor results have led many to wonder if he has lost the respect of his players—and perhaps, his job.
While it’s clear that calls for Eberflus’ firing are increasing, it’s important to note that the Bears have never fired a head coach midseason. Historically, the organization has been slow to make midyear coaching changes, and there’s a strong likelihood that they will maintain this tradition unless the situation becomes intolerable. Even last season, despite a franchise-worst 14-game losing streak (dating back to the prior season), the Bears kept Eberflus in place. The team showed some promise in the second half of 2023, which might give the front office reason to give him more time, especially if the losses are not catastrophic enough to warrant a change.
However, there are factors working against Eberflus. The pressure to develop rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has increased significantly, and the team’s inability to do so under Eberflus’ watch is a growing concern. Additionally, the Bears’ next few games against tough divisional rivals and formidable opponents could very well decide Eberflus’ fate, if they continue to show little improvement.
Adding to the pressure on Eberflus, the Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron on Tuesday. Waldron, in his first season with the team, was let go after the Bears’ offense ranked a dismal 30th in the league. The firing of Waldron signals a sense of urgency within the Bears’ organization to address their offensive struggles. It also places further scrutiny on Eberflus, whose job security is already in question as the team continues to falter.
Several reasons suggest that the Bears should part ways with Eberflus before the end of the season, although it remains unlikely. His performance in late-game management, game planning, and player development has been underwhelming. The Bears have struggled to close out games effectively, and his handling of situations like the loss to the Washington Commanders off of a Hail Mary with seconds on the clock highlights his inability to adapt in critical moments and make strategic decisions.
There’s also the matter of player development, particularly regarding Williams. While no one expected the Bears to be Super Bowl contenders in Eberflus’ third year, the development of the franchise’s future cornerstone, Williams, should be the priority. Williams has shown flashes of brilliance, but his development has stagnated in recent weeks. Under Eberflus, the offense has been inconsistent, failing to capitalize on Williams’ skills and making him look less dynamic than he did in college. Fans and analysts alike are questioning whether Eberflus’ approach is stifling Williams’ potential, just as other young quarterbacks have struggled under previous coaching regimes.
Eberflus’ road record is also absolutely abysmal. A head coach’s ability to win on the road is often a telling indicator of his leadership capabilities, and at 3-18 on the road, Eberflus has shown a troubling inability to prepare his team for hostile environments. Unless the Bears can turn things around quickly, they may find themselves out of the playoff race—and Eberflus out of a job.
Despite the mounting pressure, there are reasons to believe the Bears will not part ways with Eberflus in the middle of the season. Eberflus reportedly signed a five-year contract when he was hired in 2022, which would run through the 2026 season. This longer-term commitment is unusual for a coach with a record as poor as his, but it also means the Bears’ front office may be more inclined to give him more time to prove himself—especially given the team's emphasis on rebuilding and developing young talent.
The fate of Eberflus is undoubtedly tied to the remainder of the Bears’ season. His job security will likely be determined not only by wins and losses but by how well he can manage the development of Williams and the rest of the team. With the Bears facing a daunting schedule in the coming weeks, the pressure will be on Eberflus to prove that he can lead the team to success and silence the growing chorus of critics.
While it’s unlikely the Bears will fire Eberflus midseason, his future in Chicago beyond 2024 is very much in doubt. A lack of progress, especially with a talented young quarterback under center, may ultimately cut the end of his tenure. For now, Bears fans will continue to wait, hoping that a turnaround is just around the corner—but also knowing that the window for Eberflus to prove himself is quickly closing.
