As the season approaches its pivotal final stages, Matt Eberflus, the head coach of the Chicago Bears, speaks about concerns regarding his job security.
Matt Eberflus has immersed himself in football for his entire life, fully grasping the pressures that accompany coaching in the NFL�a results-driven industry where success is paramount.
In his second season as the Chicago Bears' head coach, Eberflus faced a nightmarish start. The team lost its first four games, the defense ranked as the worst in the NFL, and third-year quarterback Justin Fields seemed to be struggling. The sudden resignation of defensive coordinator Alan Williams and challenges involving Chase Claypool only added to the early-season woes, making it appear as if Eberflus was under intense scrutiny from an external perspective.
However, things took a positive turn over the following two months. The Bears achieved a 4-4 record in their last eight games, with the defense making significant strides under Eberflus' guidance. Fields also showed signs of improvement after returning from a thumb injury.
As the season approaches its conclusion, the Bears are moving in the right direction. Nonetheless, there are still murmurs about a potential change at the head coaching position, with Jim Harbaugh and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson mentioned as potential replacements.
Eberflus acknowledges the significance of the Bears' final five games for his future but maintains his composure in the face of pressure, recognizing that this is the life of an NFL coach.
"The season didn't start the way everyone wanted, for sure," Eberflus commented at Halas Hall. "But over the last eight weeks, we've put some good things out there. We're excited about what we can do this week. Our focus is, as always in the NFL, on the present moment. We must concentrate on this game and nothing else, to present our best performance."
On November 1, general manager Ryan Poles publicly expressed his support for Eberflus when the Bears held a 2-6 record amidst challenges like the dismissal of running backs coach David Walker.
Poles stated, "What I see every day, how he addresses the team, and his approach in the face of adversity�it's steady. I understand that from the outside, it may not appear that way. It might seem like we're far from where we want to be. But every day, he comes in and keeps working tirelessly. He has unwavering integrity. The people he brings in, he's done the work to ensure they embody the standards we set. If they don't uphold those standards, they don't belong here.
"Despite the noise and the difficulties we've faced, he's been a pillar of stability in a challenging environment. This team, if you watch them, they keep fighting. I know the past weekend wasn't ideal, but you can't watch this team and think they're going to give up. Most teams would have folded, but not this one. It's been tough, especially considering where we started last year and our efforts to build the team the right way. What I see from him every day, how he prepares this team on a weekly basis, makes me believe he's a mature leader capable of leading us out of this situation and towards where we need to be."
In a recent interview, Eberflus was asked about his job security, given Poles' public endorsement. He reiterated his earlier response, understanding that if the team continues its upward trajectory in the final five games, his position is likely secure.
"In leadership, the primary rule is self-leadership," Eberflus emphasized. "I come to work each day, prepare the plans for offense, defense, and special teams, lead the football team, and assist the leadership council in leading the team, because true leadership emanates from within. That's where my focus lies�putting forth my best effort every single day."
Opinions in league circles vary regarding Eberflus' prospects for a third season in Chicago. Multiple factors, including the Bears' draft position and potential candidates for his replacement, could influence the outcome.
There is a sense that Poles may not be inclined to terminate Eberflus. The 2022 record may not be the defining factor. The way the team, relatively lacking in talent, fought until the end in 2022 could work in Eberflus' favor.
The substantial defensive improvement over the past two months also strengthens Eberflus' case for retention. The Bears currently boast the NFL's top-ranked run defense and rank ninth in yards allowed.
If the Bears finish the season strongly, it is quite likely that Eberflus will return for the 2024 season.
For now, both Eberflus and the Bears are focused on giving their best effort moving forward.
| POLL | ||
8 DECEMBRE | 30 ANSWERS As the season approaches its pivotal final stages, Matt Eberflus, the head coach of the Chicago Bears, speaks about concerns regarding his job security. Will Matt Eberflus still be with the Bears next season? | ||
| Yes | 14 | 46.7 % |
| No | 16 | 53.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
