Following a devastating loss to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, the Chicago Bears dismissed head coach Matt Eberflus. This marks the first time in franchise history a head coach has been fired mid-season. Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will step in as interim head coach.

General Manager Ryan Poles expressed gratitude for Eberflus's professionalism and dedication but emphasized the need for a different direction in team leadership. President and CEO Kevin Warren echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of the head coaching role in building a championship-caliber team and acknowledging the fans' desire for improved performance.

The decision comes as a surprise given Eberflus's comments on Friday, where he expressed his expectation to remain with the team and focus on the upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Eberflus faced intense scrutiny for his clock management in the final seconds of the Lions game. With the Bears trailing 23-20 and time running out, a questionable play call and the failure to call a timeout led to a game-ending incompletion. Eberflus defended his decisions after the game, but ownership clearly disagreed.

Eberflus concludes his tenure with the Bears holding a 14-32 record. The Bears are the third NFL team this season to make a head coaching change.