LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Challenged by a franchise-worst 14-game losing streak and drama off the field, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus may be fighting for his job.
Eberflus is 3-18 in his Chicago tenure as his Bears (0-4) prepare to visit the Commanders (2-2) on Thursday. Amid the team's woes, Eberflus hasn't spoken with Bears management regarding his status or job security.
“I feel the support,” Eberflus said Wednesday. “I haven’t talked to anybody about any of those things. I feel the support, and we’re just focused on Washington.”
Hired by the Bears in January 2022, Eberflus was tasked with developing a young roster as general manager Ryan Poles – who led the hiring process of Eberflus – began a rebuilding process. The Bears have since hired new president and CEO Kevin Warren, who's responsible for overseeing all the football operations.
At .143, Eberflus has by far the worst winning percentage of any head coach in Bears history. Chicago entered this 2023 season with heightened expectations after making key additions in receiver DJ Moore, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, linebacker T.J. Edwards and rookie offensive tackle Darnell Wright in the offseason.
The Bears lost 38-20 to the rival Packers at Soldier Field in their season opener and have continued their downward trend from there. On Sunday, the Bears blew a 21-point lead in the second half to the previously winless Broncos and lost 31-28 at home. Eberflus and his team left the field to a chorus of loud boos from a frustrated Chicago fan base.
Eberflus and the Bears have also been plagued by off-field drama. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams mysteriously and suddenly resigned on Sept. 20. Earlier that same day, quarterback Justin Fields created a stir nationally and locally when he called upon the coaching staff to adjust the scheme and let him play more freely. In the last few days, the Bears have told disgruntled receiver Chase Claypool to stay away from Halas Hall, setting in motion a likely divorce.
For his part, Eberflus has struggled to communicate amid the adversity. Addressing Claypool's absence from Soldier Field as the team played Sunday, Eberflus claimed that Claypool elected to stay home instead of attending the game. A Bears spokesperson later clarified that the team instructed Claypool to stay home.
Amid the struggles, Eberflus understands that criticism and pressure come with his role.
“I've been doing this 32 years, so I understand the business,” Eberflus said. “But I understand that to do it right, you got to focus on your job and you got to focus on right here, right now. So, you can think about a lot of different things that’s going to do nobody good. You can focus on your job and where your feet are right now. Our sole focus is on Washington.
"It's part of the business, and you just focus on the job at hand. Focus on the walk-throughs in practice and that’s all we could and coming up with solutions, finding ways to put guys in better positions. That’s what we’re doing.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.