LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — In suffering a disheartening late collapse in a 31-26 loss to the Lions on Sunday, the Bears fell to 3-8 on the season and 6-22 in head coach Matt Eberflus' tenure in Chicago.
The Bears haven't won a divisional game since Thanksgiving Day 2021 and haven't earned back-to-back victories at any point since Eberflus took over in 2022. Despite the Bears' struggles, Eberflus remains firm in his belief that his team is improving and making progress toward its goal of achieving sustained success. After the defeat in Detroit, he shared that message with his players back at Halas Hall.
“I can see progress,” Eberflus said. “I told the players in the meeting, and we can show them that. We can show them real tangible progress. It’s our charge to take that next step.”
In a disappointing season, the embattled Eberflus has dealt with on-field struggles and also distractions inside of Halas Hall. Two of his trusted assistants – defensive coordinator Alan Williams and running backs coach David Walker – departed the staff during this season due to workplace behavior that didn't meet the team's standards, according to reports.
Quarterback Justin Fields created national headlines in September when he called upon the coaching staff to alter the offensive scheme, and the Bears traded disgruntled receiver Chase Claypool in early October after he complained about his role.
Eberflus recognizes that he's under great pressure to save his job with the Bears.
“Really, that’s the NFL,” Eberflus said. “It’s about executing. It's a week-to-week league, and the story of the world is written every single week. So that’s the way it goes. That's where you’re at. That’s the life we live, and I’ve been living it for a long time.”
The Bears (3-8) visit the Vikings (6-5) at U.S. Bank Stadium on Monday night.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.