The Chicago Bears said Wednesday they are sticking with coach Matt Eberflus after the team showed improvement over the second half of the season following a brutal start.
They were noncommittal when it came to the franchise’s quarterback situation, whether they are staying with Justin Fields or taking Caleb Williams or Drake Maye with the No. 1 overall pick. While Eberflus is coming back, there will be some big changes to his staff.
The Bears have fired most of their offensive assistants, including coordinator Luke Getsy after two seasons. Quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert, running backs coach Omar Young and assistant tight ends coach Tim Zetts also were let go.
General manager Ryan Poles said he was impressed with Eberflus’ “leadership through hard times.”
The Bears were in a similar situation a year ago. They dealt the top pick to Carolina for a haul that included top receiver DJ Moore and the Panthers’ first-rounder in 2024. That turned out to be the No. 1 selection after Carolina finished with a 2-15 record.
The Bears won five of seven late in the season behind an improved defense and finished with a 7-10 record after having a league-worst 3-14 mark in 2022. But for fans clamoring for a fresh start, particularly with the No. 1 pick and a shot at a potential franchise-changing quarterback, the moves announced Wednesday probably didn’t go far enough.
At 10-24, Eberflus has the third-worst record in franchise history. Only John Fox (14-34 from 2015-17) and Abe Gibron (11-30-1 from 1972-74) have a worse winning percentage.
The Bears blew double-digit, fourth-quarter leads in three of their losses. And they bookended the season with losses to rival Green Bay — at home in the opener and then at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
The Bears are in a bit of an awkward situation with a coach with uncertain long-term security and openings for offensive and defensive coordinators. It’s not clear if the new defensive coordinator will call plays, something Eberflus did following Alan Williams’ resignation early in the season.
The Bears plan to bring back their defensive assistants.
