Bears Insider Adds A New Layer To The Matt Eberflus Situation
Matt Eberflus made it clear at his latest press conference that he’s not immune to the pressure on him. He hears the rumors about his job security like everybody else. The head coach understands that is part of the business. People will call for your job when you’re not winning a lot. Still, he remains focused on the task at hand. His goal is to keep grinding, keep pushing forward a positive message, and do everything in his power to help Bears players prepare for the next game. What the Chicago Bears team brass do at the end of the season is out of his hands.
Plenty of fans believe a change is necessary, especially if the Bears plan to move on from Justin Fields for a new quarterback. However, Adam Jahns of The Athletic doesn’t think it’s as simple as that. His understanding of the situation is that Eberflus isn’t safe for next year, but he’s also not 100% gone. GM Ryan Poles always knew the Bears rebuild would get bumpy at times and has maintained a firm belief in the head coach. The vision was always about the big picture. There might be one wrinkle. If the Bears think they can land a clear upgrade, a move could happen.
Jahns wrote about this in reference to Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.
“It’s not guaranteed that the Bears are moving on Eberflus. His first season was a teardown with Poles. Eberflus’ second is the first of the rebuild, and there are signs that progress is being made, specifically on defense under his leadership and with his play calling. Eberflus still has the locker room. Players will tell you that. Warren and Poles also celebrated the Bears’ last victory against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium with Eberflus.
Poles is playing the long game with Eberflus, and Warren knows that. But if Poles and Warren see Harbaugh as a potential upgrade — and if Harbaugh is seriously interested in leaving Michigan after this season — then it would be malpractice not to consider him.”
Matt Eberflus’ job may hinge on some big-game hunting.
What Jahns alludes to is something an SM source mentioned recently. Kevin Warren has considered a change of head coach. The idea would be to take a big swing to see if they can land a proven commodity. A “box office” acquisition was the wording used. Harbaugh would undoubtedly qualify. There might be a few others around the league. Mike Vrabel is on uncertain ground in Tennessee. Sean McVay might have interest in slipping out of Los Angeles as Matthew Stafford continues to age. All it takes is one serious name to get the ball rolling.
The one person controlling the narrative is Matt Eberflus himself. There are five games left in the season. If he can string together some wins down the stretch, it would make for a strong argument to keep him around. Three of the games are at home. Two opponents have serious concerns at quarterback. Three wins to reach 7-10 should be enough to justify giving him a third season. His defense has played well. Can the team finally finish some games? If he wants to save his job, they better learn fast.