Bears fire head coach Eberflus after catastrophic clock management debacle

Matt Eberflus was fired by the Chicago Bears on Friday, one day after botching a timeout in a loss to Detroit.

Offensive co-ordinator Thomas Brown will serve as interim coach, the Bears said in a statement.

"This morning … we informed Matt of our decision to move in a different direction with the leadership of our football team and the head coaching position," Bears general manager Ryan Poles said. "I thank Matt for his hard work, professionalism and dedication to our organization. We extend our gratitude for his commitment to the Chicago Bears and wish him and his family the best moving forward."

Eberflus was 14-32 in two-plus seasons with the Bears, who fell to 4-8 with their sixth straight loss on Thursday.

The Bears began the season eyeing a playoff spot following an offensive overhaul but are now last in the NFC North. Eberflus' record in 2 1/2 seasons ranks among the worst in the history of the founding NFL franchise. The only Chicago coaches with worse marks were John Fox (14-34 from 2015-17) and Abe Gibron (11-30-1 from 1972-74).

The Bears thought they were in position to rise in the NFC North after going a combined 10-24 in their first two seasons under Eberflus and Poles. They revamped their offence, drafting Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick and acquiring six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers.

But instead of climbing, the Bears find themselves in a familiar spot at the bottom of the division. Several of their losses during their skid came down to the final play.

The Bears actually rolled into their bye with three straight wins and a 4-2 record. They went into a free fall from there, with Eberflus's game management and hold on the locker room coming under increased