Following a controversial Thanksgiving Day loss to the Detroit Lions, the Chicago Bears terminated head coach Matt Eberflus. The game's final seconds saw quarterback Caleb Williams sacked, followed by a failed attempt to stop the clock and an incomplete pass as time expired, resulting in a 23-20 defeat. Eberflus's post-game explanation for preserving a timeout in anticipation of a potential field goal attempt drew criticism. The coach addressed the media again on Friday before his dismissal was announced, a sequence of events that sparked considerable discussion on social media.
Bears CEO and President Kevin Warren later clarified the timeline, stating that the decision regarding Eberflus's future was made after the Friday press conference. While acknowledging the organization's missteps in handling the situation, Warren emphasized their commitment to treating individuals with respect and allowing Eberflus the opportunity to inform his family personally. He explained that the team aimed to avoid the coach learning of his termination through external sources.
Eberflus subsequently released a statement expressing gratitude to the Bears organization and fans. He concluded his tenure with a 14-32 record, becoming the third NFL coach fired this season.
