In 2024, Matt Eberflus was fired midseason by the Chicago Bears following a crushing loss to the Detroit Lions — a game that ended in disaster after poor clock management cost the team a chance to tie. However, the Bears’ downward spiral had started earlier in the season, with a last-second Hail Mary by the Washington Commanders stealing what looked like a sure win.
According to quarterback Caleb Williams, that moment marked the breaking point between the players and the coaching staff. Former NFL star and current analyst Shannon Sharpe also weighed in on the situation, calling for more accountability from the players themselves.
Shannon Sharpe Takes a Shot at Caleb Williams and Bears’ Players’ Lack of Accountability
A coach’s relationship with his players is one of the most important factors in determining a team’s success in the NFL. Just as a tight-knit roster can overcome technical shortcomings, a fractured locker room often spells the end for a head coach.
Williams noted that Eberflus’ reaction after the heartbreaking loss to the Commanders only widened the gap between the coach and the locker room. However, Sharpe offered a different perspective, emphasizing that the real issue in that moment was a lack of focus from one player who lost concentration during the most critical play of the game.
“What about the DB that was joshing around with the fans? What about the accountability of the players? If he was where he was supposed to be? That’s what annoys me about this. These millennials, Gen Z, they want to absolve themselves of responsibility, accountability… The play is going on. He’s making fun of the people in the fans who have no impact on the game. And then the quarterback blames the head coach.”
Chad Johnson added to the discussion, pointing out that players go over the game plan and every possible scenario during Friday walkthroughs — specifically to avoid being caught off guard by unlikely but possible situations on game day. He stressed that players need to approach those moments with seriousness and full focus, because being unprepared in critical situations is simply inexcusable.
Sharpe added, asking Williams to explain what role the players had on that play: “So I just want to know, Caleb Williams, what responsibility, what role did Tyrique Stevenson play in that? I just want to hear you say what role you believe he played in that. Right now.”
For the 2025 season, the Chicago Bears hired former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their new head coach. With an offensive-minded approach, many believe he and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams could form one of the most exciting duos in the NFC. But for that to happen, Johnson will need to establish himself as a strong leader in the locker room.
The Bears’ success hinges on one thing: unity. Over the past decade, the franchise has been plagued by instability — from constant quarterback uncertainty to a culture often described as broken. As Shannon Sharpe pointed out, it’s now on the players to buy into this new era and commit to the project. If they don’t, Chicago could once again be searching for another head coach in just two seasons.