(670 The Score) After two days of methodical evaluations, the Bears have made changes to their offensive coaching staff.
The Bears have fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert, running backs coach Omar Young and assistant tight end coach Tim Zetts, sources said Wednesday morning. The team officially confirmed the dismissals at noon.
Head coach Matt Eberflus is set to be retained for a third season, sources said. The Bears will hold a formal press conference Wednesday with Eberflus, general manager Ryan Poles and president/CEO Kevin Warren scheduled to speak.
The Bears averaged 21.2 points per game in the 2023 season, which ranked 18th in the NFL. Chicago was 20th in total yardage, ranking a disappointing 27th in passing and second in rushing. That imbalance underscored Getsy's struggles with third-year quarterback Justin Fields, who showcased personal progress but failed to solidify his place in the organization’s future.
Getsy was hired by Eberflus two years ago this month. As a defensive-oriented head coach, Eberflus trusted Getsy to oversee the operations of the Bears' offense. Chicago ranked 23rd in scoring and 28th in yardage in 2022.
For his part, Getsy acknowledged the expectations of his position but believed the Bears had made important strides offensively.
“At the end of last year, we felt like we were doing a lot of really good things and our process was good, our people were good, the type of people we had in the building,” Getsy said last week. “To be able to go through anything we’ve gone through and do what we’re doing and following the leadership of Ryan (Poles) and Flus, we have the right type of people in the building.
“It’s just really important that we get better each and every day. No matter what it looks like sometimes to the outside world, when you’re on the inside, you really know if it is or isn’t. I think the guys in the room, they all feel it, they know it, they’re excited about what’s to come. And we can say that we’ve continued to do that.”
Eberflus was hired by the Bears two days after the appointment of general manager Ryan Poles in late January 2022. He was tasked with leading a rebuilding process as Poles quickly began overhauling the roster. Chicago went an NFL-worst 3-14 in 2022, which included a 10-game losing streak to close out the season.
After adding more talent last offseason, the Bears got off to an ugly 0-4 start in 2023. The team also dealt with off-the-field issues as Williams resigned suddenly in September and running backs coach David Walker was fired in early November. Both exited due to personal conduct violations that involved the Bears’ human resources department. Receiver Chase Claypool, for whom the Bears gave up a second-round pick to acquire in 2022, was traded in early October after calling out the coaching staff for failing to put him in a position to succeed. Despite the internal issues, Eberflus repeatedly stated his belief that the Bears had a healthy culture.
After the 0-4 start, Chicago won seven of 12 games heading into its season finale in Green Bay. Just two days before the loss to the Packers, Eberflus shared his optimism about the direction of his squad.
“I feel really good about where this team is,” Eberflus said last Friday. “This team is on the rise. I feel really good about the second half of the season, where the whole football team is going right now. I love the camaraderie and the relationships we’ve built. You can certainly see the progress."
The Bears have gone 10-24 in Eberflus' two seasons in Chicago.
The Bears will hold plenty of resources this offseason. They have a promising young roster, ample salary cap space and the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, thanks to the Panthers.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.