The Matt Eberflus era in Chicago will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Over two-and-a-half seasons as the Bears' head coach, Eberflus amassed a record (14-32) that reflected a franchise stuck in reverse—losing streaks, blown opportunities, and an inability to instill confidence in a team desperate for leadership. Yet, even in his absence, Eberflus continues to make an impact—not in the win column, but in the Bears’ checkbook.
The Price of Moving On
When the Bears finally pulled the trigger and relieved Eberflus of his duties, fans breathed a sigh of relief. However, firing him came at a hefty cost. According to reports, the Bears owe Eberflus approximately $20,000 per day for the next two years. For context, that’s:
- $13.32 per minute
- $799 per hour
- $134,615 per week
- $583,333 per month
In other words, Eberflus is being handsomely compensated not to coach, a staggering reality for a franchise that has struggled to make sound football decisions for decades.
The Eberflus Tenure: A Failure by Every Metric
Eberflus arrived in Chicago with a reputation as a defensive guru. Yet, under his leadership, the Bears’ defense became one of the league’s most porous units during their most recent losing streak. The team was routinely unprepared for opponents, often appearing flat and uninspired. In his two years at the helm, the Bears amassed a record of 5-19 in one-score games, the worst in the NFL during that stretch. Eberflus' .304 win percentage in 46 games is the third worst in franchise history, behind John Fox (.292) and Abe Gibron (.274). He is the first head coach in team history to be fired in-season.
The lowlights of the Eberflus era included:
- A 14-game losing streak spanning two seasons, one of the longest in franchise history.
- Questionable in-game decisions and an inability to adjust to opponents’ strategies.
- Poor development of young talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
The failures weren’t just confined to the field. Eberflus’ demeanor and decision-making drew sharp criticism from fans and analysts alike. Even players seemed disillusioned, as evidenced by a midseason interview where wide receivers coach Chris Beatty inadvertently revealed a lack of trust in the coaching staff.
A History of Paying for Mistakes
Eberflus’ golden parachute is hardly the first example of the Bears paying for poor decisions. The franchise has long been plagued by a revolving door of head coaches and general managers, each leaving behind a trail of unmet expectations and financial burdens. Yet, the sheer scale of Eberflus’ payout underscores the need for systemic change.
Looking Ahead
As the Bears prepare to search for yet another head coach, the lessons of the Eberflus debacle must guide their decision-making. Ownership needs to prioritize football acumen over buzzwords and flashy résumés. The next head coach must not only command respect in the locker room but also demonstrate the ability to develop a winning culture.
Eberflus may no longer be on the sidelines, but his shadow looms large over Halas Hall. For the next two years, every check written to him will serve as a reminder of what happens when a franchise prioritizes expedience over excellence. The Bears can’t afford another mistake like this—not in their coaching staff, and not in their vision for the future.
