In one of the most historic moves in franchise history, the Chicago Bears parted ways with their third-year head coach, Matt Eberflus. This is not just an in-season termination but a first in such fashion for the team.

This came just less than 24 hours after the sixth-straight loss for the Bears, a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Detroit Lions, in which the game concluded on the wrong end for fans, as Eberflus did not call a timeout in the final minute and faced a 23-20 deficit.

A Disappointing Tenure Ends For Eberflus

Chicago Bears Sack Matt Eberflus After Thanksgiving Meltdown Chicago Bears Sack Matt Eberflus After Thanksgiving Meltdown
Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Confident that he could pilot the team past the San Francisco 49ers the following week, Eberflus did not survive to find out. His own record of 14-32 over two-plus seasons, including a 4-8 start in 2024, sealed his fate. According to TMZ, the coach struggled in close games, often falling short in the critical moments that frustrated him and fans and management alike.

"I like what we did there," Eberflus said. "Again, once it's under seven [seconds], you're going to call a timeout there -- actually under 12, and then really you don't have an option because it's third [down] to fourth, you have to throw it into the end zone then.

According to ESPN, Eberflus explained that he was attempting to save the final timeout en route to a game-tying field goal.

"To me it's -- I think we handled it the right way, I do believe that you just rerack the play, get it in bounds and call timeout, and that's why we held it and didn't work out the way we wanted it to," the departing coach added.

Interim Leadership for the Rest of the Season

Thomas Brown, the offensive coordinator, will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Brown has the task of stabilizing a team that has faced repeated setbacks while also displaying the potential of a talented roster.

Hope for the Future: A Rebuilding Opportunity

Despite recent struggles, the Bears' future is bright. The team's next full-time head coach will inherit a roster featuring standout talent, including Caleb Williams, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick. With the right leadership, the Bears have an opportunity to revitalize their offense and compete in a highly competitive NFC.

A Turning Point for Chicago

Making an in-season coaching change is a sign, of course, of this direction for the Bears. A franchise seeking a leader to get the most out of its young core remains hopeful that this moment will take it to long-term success.