Caleb Williams Era in Chicago Ends Abruptly as Bears Fire Eberflus
The highly anticipated Caleb Williams era in Chicago has come to a staggering halt just a few months into the 2024 season. Despite the Bears drafting the promising quarterback from USC with high hopes, the team’s performance fell flat, managing only five wins before the axe fell on both head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. The turmoil within the organization culminated in Eberflus’s dismissal, leaving fans questioning the direction of the franchise.
Eberflus’s Coaching Tenure with the Bears
Matt Eberflus’s journey as head coach began in January 2022 when he took over the reins from Matt Nagy after a disappointing 6-11 season. Eberflus arrived with hopes of revitalizing a struggling franchise, but his tenure proved to be even more challenging. Over three seasons, Eberflus amassed a record of 14-32, a stark contrast to Nagy, who had led the Bears to two playoff appearances during his four years.
The Bears’ performance under Eberflus saw them finish last in the NFC North for three consecutive seasons, with a dismal .304 winning percentage. His time in charge was marked by inconsistency and frustration, with the team winning only three games in 2022 and seven in 2023. The 2024 season, which began with promise, quickly devolved into chaos, prompting the Bears to make a decisive move just after Thanksgiving.
Reasons Behind Eberflus’s Dismissal
Eberflus’s firing on November 29, 2024, marked a historic moment for the Bears, as it was the first time they had terminated a head coach mid-season. Several factors contributed to this decision, most notably the team’s persistent struggles in late-game situations, particularly with timeout management.
The Bears’ inability to close out games was epitomized by their heartbreaking loss to the Washington Commanders earlier in the season. In that game, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels executed a last-minute Hail Mary, sealing a 20-19 victory against the Bears. The defensive front’s failure to pressure Daniels allowed him to find an open receiver in the end zone, a moment that haunted the Bears throughout the season.
As the season progressed, the Bears continued to falter in critical moments. A blocked 45-yard field goal attempt against the Green Bay Packers and a narrow overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings only compounded the frustrations. The tipping point came on Thanksgiving Day, when the Bears found themselves trailing 23-20 against the Detroit Lions. Facing a pivotal possession with one timeout remaining, Eberflus failed to call a timeout after a crucial sack, leaving the team scrambling in a situation that could have been managed more effectively.
Locker Room Turmoil and Player Frustration
The Bears’ losing streak, which reached six games after a promising 4-2 start, led to visible discontent within the locker room. Following the loss to Detroit, cornerback Jaylon Johnson confronted Eberflus during a postgame address, voicing frustrations over the team’s repeated failures. Johnson’s outburst reflected the growing impatience of players who felt the weight of consistent losses.
Tight end Cole Kmet acknowledged the pressure on the team, stating that while the coach would express his thoughts, the ultimate responsibility for results lay with the players. The mental toll of losing close games was evident, with players increasingly frustrated by the same mistakes recurring week after week.
Caleb Williams’ Rookie Struggles
When the Bears selected Caleb Williams first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the expectation was that he would lead a resurgence for the franchise. However, Williams faced immense challenges in his rookie season. Despite putting up respectable statistics with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions, he was also the most-sacked rookie quarterback in NFL history, enduring 68 sacks throughout the season.
Williams’ struggles were exacerbated by an underperforming offensive line and a lack of support from the coaching staff. Comparisons to fellow rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels only intensified the scrutiny on Williams, who was left to navigate a difficult situation without much guidance. Reports of tension between Williams and Eberflus surfaced, particularly during a crucial game against the Packers when Williams had to advocate for a fourth-down conversion.
The Bears’ decision to part ways with Eberflus marks a significant turning point for the franchise. As they look to the future, the organization must address its coaching shortcomings while finding a way to harness the potential of Caleb Williams in a more conducive environment.
