On Nov. 29, the Chicago Bears announced that head coach Matt Eberflus had been fired, only one day removed from an embarrassing loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions. While the Lions were heavily favored heading into the game, the Bears saw themselves at the Detroit 25-yard line with less than one minute remaining and a chance to tie or win the contest.
However, the following three plays saw the Bears take a costly sack, then a penalty, and then waste the last 30 seconds or so of game time, all while having a timeout in their back pocket. While Williams’ decision to change the play at the line of scrimmage with time running down was shocking, Eberflus’ allowing the time to run to zero and not using the timeout was arguably even more baffling.
Social Media Reaction to Eberflus Firing
Since the firing, football fans have taken to social media to discuss the noteworthy game-deciding incident and how the Bears handled the situation.
One user discussed how they thought it was ridiculous that the team allowed Eberflus to take two press conferences, despite presumably knowing he would be released.
“Not infuriated enough to let him go out this morning and speak to the media on the Bear’s behalf. Waiting until after that second press conference following the game to fire him is crazy,” they said.
Not infuriated enough to let him go out this morning and speak to the media on the bear's behalf.
Waiting until after that second press conference following the game to fire him is crazy— Joe Polek 🏐🏀⚾🏈⚽🧢 (@JoePolek) November 29, 2024
Meanwhile, one individual agreed with the decision to fire Eberflus, citing his lack of attention to detail when the game matters most.
“I feel bad for him, he’s a good man and was principled in his approach. But he made WAY too many mistakes, and seemingly never learned from them. Often looked lost out there at the end of games when you should be micromanaging every last second of time. Bears should be 8-4,” they detailed.
I feel bad for him, he's a good man and was principled in his approach.
But he made WAY too many mistakes, and seemingly never learned from them. Often looked lost out there at the end of games when you should be micromanaging every last second of time.
Bears should be 8-4
— Frank (@hockeyfrank26) November 29, 2024
Finally, one person highlighted their belief that Williams, not Eberflus, was the problem in response to a post by ESPN analyst Adam Schefter discussing the firing.
“Caleb Williams costs yet another coach his job. It’s sad, but Eberflus wasn’t the problem and got scapegoated for a QB who can’t make simple reads,” they starkly said.
Caleb Williams costs yet another coach his job. It’s sad, but Eberflus wasn’t the problem and got scapegoated for a QB who can’t make simple reads.
— Johnathan (@ThePrism89_) November 29, 2024
Where Do the Bears Go After Eberflus Firing?
Since the firing of Eberflus, it has been announced that offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will take over as the Bears’ interim coach. While the search for a new boss will shape the long-term direction, the Bears have meaningful games ahead that are crucial for Williams’ development.
The firing of Eberflus signals a change in Chicago and one that many believed was necessary after numerous questionable decisions this year. At the time of his firing, the Bears were in last place in the NFL North with a 4-8 record and had lost their last six consecutive contests.