Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus looks on during a game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day in Detroit, Michigan, on Thursday, November 28, 2024.Photo:Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty
Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty
TheChicago Bearshave made franchise history with the firing ofhead coach Matt Eberflus.
The organizationannouncedthat the 54-year-old was relieved of his duties as head coach on Friday, Nov. 29 — just hours after Eberflus told reporters he was “confident” he’d remain with the team through their Dec. 8 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, per theNFL.
The decision marks the first time in more than 100 years that the Bears have fired a head coach mid-season.
In a statement, Bears general manager Ryan Poles said that Eberflus was informed of the team’s “decision to move in a different direction with the leadership of our football team and the head-coaching position” this morning.
Head coach Matt Eberflus of the Chicago Bears looks on in the second quarter of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on November 17, 2024 in Chicago.Michael Reaves/Getty
Michael Reaves/Getty
“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,” Poles' statement said.
Bears offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will replace Eberflus as interim head coach, per the organization’s announcement.
Head coach Matt Eberflus of the Chicago Bears talks with Caleb Williams in a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on November 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.Michael Reaves/Getty
The firing is all the more noteworthy given it was announced just after Eberflus reiterated his confidence in his position during a Zoom call with reporters on Friday morning.
“I’m just going to be working on finishing up this game, doing a good job of evaluating that, our after-action report like we always do,” he said, per theNFL. “And then I’ll be working into San Francisco. Again, those are conversations we’ll have, and again I’m confident I’ll be working on to San Francisco and getting ready for that game.”
Bears fans largely rejoiced after hearing the news that Eberflus had been fired. He leaves his role with a 14-32 record, but he will likely be best known for his final 30 seconds with the Bears.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“They have now lost six straight games in weirder ways, it seems, each and every week,” Menefee said of the Bears.
source: people.com
