For a significant stretch of the 2023 regular season, speculation loomed over the fate of Chicago Bears' head coach Matt Eberflus. Following a dismal inaugural year in 2022 where the team finished with the league's worst 3-14 record, the Bears showed some improvement in 2023, closing the season with a 7-10 mark. However, their journey was marred by significant setbacks, including relinquishing leads of 10 points or more in the fourth quarter, a feat that tied an NFL record, as reported by ESPN.
Brad Biggs, a seasoned insider covering the Bears for the Chicago Tribune, has been a reliable source on the team's developments. Notably, Biggs had forewarned of the departure of former quarterback Justin Fields before the Bears traded him. Furthermore, in a January report, Biggs indicated that Caleb Williams was poised to be the Bears' top pick in the draft, a sentiment echoed by various insiders across the league in subsequent months.
In his recent April 3 Q&A column, Biggs addressed inquiries about Eberflus's job security entering the 2024 season. Contrary to speculations of a hot seat, Biggs emphasized Bears' general manager Ryan Poles' staunch support for Eberflus. According to Biggs, it would require a catastrophic turn of events in the upcoming season for Chicago to consider parting ways with their current coach.
Biggs asserted, "I didn't read Ryan Poles' decision to retain Eberflus in January as a situation in which he's entering a win-now season." While acknowledging the expectation for improvement given the team's competitive roster and offensive talent, Biggs dismissed the notion of Eberflus being on thin ice. However, he acknowledged that a faltering offense could prompt a reevaluation of the coaching situation.
The pivotal factor in Eberflus's tenure, as noted by Biggs, lies in the development of Caleb Williams under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Should the Bears replicate their 2023 record but witness promising strides in Williams's performance and development, Eberflus's position may remain secure. Conversely, a regression in Williams's performance amid disappointing team results could spell trouble for Eberflus.
Echoing similar sentiments, Josh Schrock, another Bears insider from NBC Sports, weighed in on Eberflus's job security during an April 4 appearance on ESPN 1,000's Waddle & Silvy. While acknowledging the team's anticipated improvement and the pressure on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, Schrock emphasized that the spotlight would primarily be on Eberflus. Like Biggs, Schrock highlighted the correlation between Williams's on-field performance and Eberflus's fate, indicating that a disastrous season coupled with Williams's regression could jeopardize Eberflus's tenure.
In light of these insights, it appears that while Eberflus is not currently perched on the hot seat, the upcoming season will be pivotal in determining his future with the Bears. With high expectations riding on Williams and the team, Eberflus's ability to navigate the challenges ahead will undoubtedly influence his longevity at the helm.
POLL | ||
5 AVRIL | 104 ANSWERS Bears Insider Unveils Fresh Insights on Matt Eberflus's Job Security Do you think Matt Eberflus's job security is crucial for the Chicago Bears' success this season? | ||
Yes | 73 | 70.2 % |
No | 31 | 29.8 % |
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