CHICAGO (670 The Score) — Late in the Bears’ 19-3 loss to the Patriots on Sunday, a chant rang down from the top level of Soldier Field toward the west sideline.
“Fire Flus, fire Flus,” frustrated Bears fans chanted at third-year head coach Matt Eberflus.
Sunday marked the loudest, most blatant call for Eberflus’ job – and perhaps a pivotal moment in his tenure in Chicago.
The Bears have lost three straight games to drop to 4-5. Having entered the season with heightened expectations and a more talented roster, Eberflus is now the subject of great scrutiny.
“Just get back to work,” Eberflus said after the ugly loss. “I know it’s part of the job. It’s part of it. But you got to stand strong and be the same leader that you always been, make the necessary adjustments that you need to make, be strong and courageous throughout it all, look at each other in the eye and tell each other the truth, and that’s how we’re going to do it.”
Eberflus believes the Bears’ locker room remains collectively invested despite the three straight losses, and those sentiments were echoed by players.
In the aftermath of the loss Sunday, Eberflus didn’t rule out making changes. That includes the possibility of removing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron from his play-calling role. Waldron is overseeing a struggling unit that produced just 142 yards and three points Sunday.
“We’re looking at everything,” Eberflus said when asked of Waldron’s role. “Everything is going to be looked at.”
Waldron was hired by the Bears in January to replace former offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Eberflus fired Getsy following last season.
Passing game coordinator Thomas Brown could be a candidate to be the Bears’ new play-caller on offense. Brown interviewed for Chicago’s offensive coordinator role in January before Waldron was hired.
The Bears host the Packers (6-3) next Sunday at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.