Teven Jenkins feels firing Matt Eberflus was a welcome change for the Bears
Bears players have begun to break their silence on Matt Eberflus' firing after the team's loss to the Detroit Lions.
Follow Us
Teven Jenkins reacted to Matt Eberflus' firing (Image Credits: L-via IMAGO, R-via AP)
The Chicago Bears fired Matt Eberflus after a disappointing ending in the team’s Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions. The firing was anticipated in light of the team’s 4-8 record despite having a talented roster. The Bears’ players have remained mum on this subject, until now.
Offensive tackle Teven Jenkins broke his silence on Matt Eberflus’ firing. He acknowledged that while he respects the former Head Coach, it was a step in the right direction. “I love Flus [Matt Eberflus] but I feel like the first point you just said was very accurate,” Jenkins responded to a reporter who asked him if the coaching change was a welcome decision for the team.
Matt Eberflus lost his job in Week 13 but lost the locker room weeks earlier. The tipping point was his decision-making in the final seconds of the 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions. Chicago made a solid comeback effort in the second half but fell short due to the HC’s questionable decision of choosing to keep the clock running despite having a timeout left.
Tevin Jenkins on if firing Matt Eberflus was a welcome change. pic.twitter.com/xcTuIDFEAd
— Marquee Bears (@BearsMarquee) December 4, 2024
Matt Eberflus’s final speech in the Bears locker room was underwhelming
To make things worse, after this loss instead of being a good leader, Eberflus went into the locker room and spoke for just a few seconds. As per ESPN, the vibe in the room was “contentious” with one player even describing it as a complete “s***show.” He was interrupted by cornerback Jaylon Johnson who held his teammates accountable and expressed more emotion than Eberflus.
Furthermore, the Head Coach used to deliver a speech that was more or less the same after every game. His speech contained the message about fighting hard but still coming up short as per ESPN. Tight end Cole Kmet’s statements capture the mood of the locker room concerning Matt Eberflus’ post-game speech.
You only want to hear it so much. Coach is going to say what he’s going to say.
Cole Kmet exclaimed
All of these factors resulted in him losing touch with his players and when there is a leader who does not command the respect of players, that team is headed nowhere.
The result? Matt Eberflus created history. He became the first Bears head coach to be fired mid-season with an NFL-worst 5-19 record in one-score games. For now Thomas Brown, the team’s offensive coordinator will get his second promotion of the year as he will now be the Head Coach. The Bears will take on a struggling San Francisco 49ers in Week 14.
Related: Kyle Shanahan feels Caleb Williams is “born to play” the quarterback position
Stay Updated!
Sumedh Joshi
(2235 Articles Published)