After the Chicago Bears dropped to 2-7 in early November, it seemed inevitable that Matt Eberflus would be one of the NFL coaches fired in 2023. Weeks later, Eberflus might not even be on the NFL coaching hot seat.
Chicago wasn’t just losing early in the year, it was experiencing significant organizational issues. Bears’ defensive coordinator Alan Williams, hand-picked by Eberflus, left the team because of inappropriate activity. Not long after, Chicago fired running backs coach David Walker over workplace behavior.
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- Matt Eberflus coaching record: 9-23 with the Chicago Bears
Not only were the Bears struggling under Eberflus for the second consecutive season, but there seemed to be a lack of professionalism in the workplace. With things quieting down on that front and Chicago now 3-2 over the last five weeks entering NFL games today, it appears circumstances have changed.
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According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Eberflus is tentatively expected to return to Chicago next season as the Bears’ head coach. While he’s been on the hot seat, Chicago is gaining confidence in Eberflus.
“I would be surprised as of right now if Matt Eberflus was not back for the Chicago Bears. They’ve looked much better… They certainly seem to be headed in the right direction… I hear nothing but positive vibes from Chicago.”
Ian Rapoport on Matt Eberflus’ future with the Bears
Rapoport did not address the future of Bears’ offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Hired in 2022, Getsy has been the play-caller for one of the worst NFL offenses this season.
- Chicago Bears offense 2023: 2.1 offensive touchdowns per game (22nd in NFL), 5.0 yards per play average (23rd), 9.9 points per second half (22nd)
If Eberflus is allowed to stick around in 2024, Chicago’s decision at offensive coordinator becomes the biggest storyline to follow. Hiring a new offensive coordinator risks pairing a play-caller with the potential No. 1 overall pick and if Eberflus is fired at some point in 2024, the new Bears’ quarterback will have to learn another system in their second NFL season.
While many Bears fans are hoping to see Chicago clean house, at the very least parting ways with Eberflus and Getsy, there now appears to be a realistic chance that both coaches return in 2024. If Eberflus stays, it would wipe out what would’ve been the most attractive head-coaching vacancy this offseason.
