CHICAGO, IL – In a surprising yet not entirely unexpected move, Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles announced today that he has rehired Matt Eberflus as the team’s head coach. This decision comes after several unsuccessful attempts to find a replacement, leading Poles to come full circle and reaffirm his commitment to Eberflus, despite the team’s underwhelming performance over the past two seasons.
Poles, who hired Eberflus initially in 2022, faced significant pressure to turn the Bears around after a disappointing 2024 campaign. However, after an exhaustive search for a new leader at the helm, Poles and the Bears’ front office ultimately decided to retain Eberflus, citing their deep personal and professional relationship, which has withstood any challenges or setbacks.
“I’m proud to announce that Matt Eberflus will remain our head coach here with the Chicago Bears,” Poles said in a statement today. “We’ve been through a lot together, and while the results on the field haven’t always met our expectations, the bond and trust that Matt and I share cannot be jeopardized by anything. This decision was not made lightly, but ultimately, I believe Matt is the right leader for this team moving forward.”
The Eberflus Era: A Relationship Built on Trust
The bond between Poles and Eberflus dates back to their early days together in the NFL, both having worked with the Kansas City Chiefs organization. Poles, who had a lengthy career in the Chiefs’ front office, became close friends with Eberflus, who was the Chiefs’ linebackers coach during Poles’ tenure. The two formed a professional and personal rapport, which Poles believes was crucial in bringing Eberflus to Chicago when he was hired as head coach in 2022.
“It was a natural fit,” Poles continued. “When I was looking for a head coach, Matt’s approach to building a culture, his commitment to hard work, and his ability to connect with players made him the ideal candidate. Over the years, I’ve come to trust him as both a colleague and a friend. That trust is something that you can’t put a price on in this league.”
While the relationship between the two men has been a significant factor in the decision to retain Eberflus, it has also been a point of contention for those critical of the Bears’ performance under his leadership. The Bears have not yet made a playoff appearance under Eberflus, and in 2024, the team finished with a disappointing 5-12 record, leading to growing calls from fans and analysts for the firing of Eberflus.
Despite these challenges, Poles maintained his support for the head coach. “It’s not about what the public thinks or the noise outside of the building,” Poles stated. “It’s about what Matt brings to the table every single day, and what he brings is leadership, integrity, and a vision that aligns with what we’re building in Chicago.”
Failed Attempts to Find a Replacement
Poles had made it clear earlier in the 2024 season that he was actively exploring options for a new head coach, setting the stage for potential change. Several names were rumored to be in the mix, with top candidates from both within the NFL and outside the league being considered. Reports surfaced that Poles had initiated talks with a handful of high-profile coaching figures, but each attempt ultimately fell through for various reasons, from salary disagreements to misaligned visions for the future of the team.
“We explored multiple avenues, and we had some really promising conversations,” Poles admitted. “But when it came down to it, none of the candidates we spoke with truly aligned with the culture we want to build in Chicago. In the end, it became clear that Matt is the person who knows our team the best and has the leadership qualities we need to move forward.”
One of the biggest factors contributing to the failed search was the timing of the coaching vacancies. Several high-profile NFL teams were also in the market for new head coaches, making it difficult for Poles to secure his top choices. Additionally, some of the rumored replacements were unwilling to join a franchise still in the midst of a rebuild, leading Poles to acknowledge that the Bears’ trajectory may not be as appealing as that of other, more established organizations.
The Way Forward: Rebuilding and Development
With Eberflus now back at the helm, the focus for the Bears will be on rebuilding and developing young talent. Poles expressed his belief that continuity with Eberflus was necessary to maintain stability within the team as they continue to develop their core players.
“Matt and I are committed to building something special here,” Poles said. “We have a young and talented roster, and now it’s about developing that talent. We’ve seen glimpses of what we can be, but we need to continue to work toward that consistency. The process is not always linear, and it’s going to take time, but we’re in this together.”
Eberflus, known for his defensive acumen and leadership style, will continue to focus on developing the Bears’ defense, which has shown flashes of promise but has often struggled with consistency. The team’s offense, led by quarterback Justin Fields, will also be a focal point for improvement, with Eberflus stressing the importance of building around Fields and maximizing his potential.
“Justin is a special talent, and we’re going to put the pieces around him to help him succeed,” Eberflus said in a statement. “We’re going to continue building this team the right way, with an emphasis on hard work, accountability, and development. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I’m confident we’ll get there.”
Reaffirming the Vision
In his comments, Poles reaffirmed his long-term vision for the team. “We’re not looking for quick fixes,” he said. “We’re focused on sustained success and developing players who are committed to the Chicago Bears’ culture. Matt’s leadership, paired with the progress we’re making in our roster construction, gives us confidence in the direction we’re heading.”
For many Bears fans, the news of Eberflus’ rehiring will likely come as a surprise, given the team’s struggles in recent years. However, Poles’ unwavering belief in his head coach’s character and vision signals a commitment to building something lasting in Chicago, even if it requires patience along the way.
The next few seasons will be critical for the Bears, and with Matt Eberflus at the helm, the hope is that the team can finally begin to turn the corner toward championship contention.
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