Could Bears Fire Coach Matt Eberflus? Ex-coach Weighs In
The Chicago Bears Have Never Fired a Head Coach in the Middle of a Season, but Could Matt Eberflus Be on the Chopping Block After a Mind-boggling End to the Team’s Thanksgiving Game Against the Lions?
Former Bears coach Dave Wannstedt said one major element has him questioning: the response from players.
Wannstedt stopped short of saying whether or not he thinks the Bears should part ways with Eberflus, but said Bears Chairman George McCaskey has some thinking to do.
Wannstedt’s comments come as players after the game didn’t defend their coach’s decision not to call a timeout in the final seconds of what could have been a huge comeback win for Chicago.
What Happened with the Final Play in Bears’ Loss to Lions?
The Bears drove into position for a tying field goal or winning touchdown, only to have a sack and questionable clock management end the game before they got a chance at either one.
The confusion started after Caleb Williams hit Keenan Allen for a 12-yard completion to the Lions 13 in the final minute.
That would have given the Bears plenty of time to try for the win before attempting the field goal, but guard Tevin Jenkins was called for illegal hands to the face, moving the ball back to the 35.
On second down, the Bears called a draw play for Williams, hoping he could get the first down and set up the field goal. However, backup tackle Larry Borom didn’t move as Za’Darius Smith came in unblocked to sack Williams for a 6-yard loss.
As Williams tried to get the play off, Bears coach Matt Eberflus didn’t call Chicago’s last timeout. He said he was conserving it to set up a field-goal attempt.
What Did Eberflus Say After the Game?
Still, Eberflus defended the decision in post-game interviews.
“I like what we did there,” he said.
Eberflus did concede the play “didn’t work out the way we wanted it to,” but went on to explain that the Bears had planned to run a passing play over the middle of the field, and then to call a timeout to secure the ball in field goal position.
Instead, the team scrambled to get set up after Caleb Williams was sacked with 36 seconds remaining, and by the time his pass to Rome Odunze bounced off the Ford Field turf, the game was over and the Bears had lost their sixth straight contest.
Conclusion
The decision not to call a timeout in the final seconds of the game has raised questions about Eberflus’ leadership and ability to make crucial decisions in high-pressure situations. While Eberflus has defended his decision, many are left wondering if the Bears should consider making a change at head coach.
FAQs
* Has the Chicago Bears ever fired a head coach in the middle of a season?
+ No, the Bears have never fired a head coach in the middle of a season.
* What did Dave Wannstedt say about the Bears’ decision not to call a timeout?
+ Wannstedt said that the response from players was a major element that has him questioning the decision.
* What did Matt Eberflus say about the final play of the game?
+ Eberflus defended the decision, saying that the Bears had planned to run a passing play over the middle of the field and then call a timeout to secure the ball in field goal position.
