Matt Eberflus finally got back in the win column on Thursday night in Washington. The 40-20 thrashing of the Commanders ended a 14-game losing streak for the Chicago Bears and breathed some life into a depressed locker room. While it was a cathartic moment for everybody, it wasn’t nearly enough to say Eberflus is out of danger. The Bears have only won four games during his tenure as head coach, and they still have one of the worst records in the league. If that trend continues through 2023, there is a good chance he may get fired after only two years in charge.
The question would then shift to who his replacement would be. Logic dictates GM Ryan Poles, presuming he’s still in charge as GM, would seek out a young, offensive-minded coach to pair with whichever quarterback he drafts in the 1st round next April. However, there are rumblings across the NFL that he could make an unexpected pivot if events out east continue unfolding as they have. Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post hears they may go after a future Hall of Famer instead.
“No one I spoke with suggested Kraft would mull an in-season coaching change, but this could be a January unlike any other this millennium in New England, with some NFL executives believing Jonathan Kraft, the team president and son of the owner, might prefer a younger coach with less autonomy over football operations. There is already chatter in industry circles about the Bears being a potential destination if they fire Coach Matt Eberflus but retain General Manager Ryan Poles, who broke into the league in Kansas City under longtime Belichick personnel man Scott Pioli. Indeed, chasing history from inside Halas Hall might resonate deeply with the football historian in Belichick.”
Belichick replacing Matt Eberflus would be a fascinating gamble.
Nobody can deny the New England Patriots icon has a bust waiting for him in Canton. He won six Super Bowls during his time there and has routinely produced great defenses for the past 40 years as a head coach and coordinator. However, since Tom Brady left in 2020, he’s had a hard time keeping the Patriots competitive. That and some questionable roster decisions have led New England to its worst start ever during his tenure at 1-4. Team ownership may see it as an opportunity to finally turn the page to a new generation.
Belichick will be 72 years old next year. There is no telling how much energy and focus he has left in the tank after so many years on the sideline. That said, the guy’s track record for manufacturing consistent success is undeniable. The key is whether you can find him a quarterback. Hence why the Bears are a logical option. They would likely be able to draft Caleb Williams or Drake Maye next year. It would also come down to whether Belichick demands control of the roster, something Poles would never allow.
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Much of this hinges on what Matt Eberflus does the rest of the year. If he can string some wins together and get to a 6-11 or 7-10 record, it’s unlikely the Bears will move on from him. This wild scenario rests entirely on his actions over the next two and a half months.
