The Chicago Bears fanbase seems to have lost confidence in head coach Matt Eberflus, but general manager Ryan Poles might not share that sentiment.
On the Thursday, November 7 episode of “The Sick Podcast With Adam Rank: Chicago Bears,” the host mentioned that league sources told him Eberflus will remain in his position, regardless of how the rest of the 2024 season unfolds.
“Let me just say … Matt Eberflus actually has a five-year contract, and he might be more secure than people think,” Rank stated. “I spoke with some folks within NFL circles, those close to Ryan Poles, and they suggested that, no matter what happens, Matt Eberflus will be returning.”
Eberflus holds a 4-4 record as the Bears’ head coach this season and has gone 14-28 during his two and a half years leading the team in Chicago.
Matt Eberflus Likely Gets Another Season With Caleb Williams in Chicago
According to Rank’s reporting, part of Poles’ reasoning for retaining Eberflus in 2025 is to avoid repeating the situation that occurred with former starting quarterback Justin Fields when Poles first brought Eberflus on board.
Fields was a leftover from the prior regime, drafted 11th overall in 2021 by former general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy. Chicago had recently invested a high first-round pick in a rookie quarterback the year before hiring Poles as GM, who then selected Eberflus—previously the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive coordinator—as head coach.
At that point, the team didn’t—or realistically couldn’t—move on from Fields. However, the decision-makers, having inherited him, traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional sixth-round pick shortly after they saw the potential to draft Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in 2024.
Rank reports that Poles wants to give Eberflus a genuine opportunity with this roster, emphasizing that continuity holds significant value in professional sports, especially in the NFL.
Matt Eberflus Can Make Strong Case to Remain With Bears Over Tough Stretch of Schedule
Now, two and a half years into the rebuild, Chicago has assembled a solid, resilient defensive unit. The team also boasts skill-position talent surrounding its rookie quarterback, much of which is secured under contract for the next several years.
The offensive line has struggled with injuries and hasn’t performed well even when healthy. However, if that unit improves and the team is given a year to develop and build continuity, the Bears could be in a strong position heading into 2025.
The Chicago Bears are currently 4-4, narrowly missing a 5-3 record due to a close loss to the Washington Commanders. They will host the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on Sunday. The latter half of their schedule features challenging matchups, which may impact their overall season record.
The Chicago Bears are currently 4-4, just shy of a 5-3 record after a narrow loss to the Washington Commanders. They’ll host the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on Sunday. With a tough remaining schedule ahead, the Bears’ overall season record may be affected by these challenging matchups.
