Bears Coach Makes 1 Last Attempt to Save His Job With Monday Comments

Now that the 2024 NFL regular season is over, Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown has made one last pitch to return to Chicago next season.
Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown stands on the sideline during action against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown stands on the sideline during action against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
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The Chicago Bears ended the 2024 regular season with a 24-22 win over the rival Green Bay Packers, but it didn't matter much.

After all, the Bears had long been eliminated from playoff contention and the only thing Sunday's win did was worsen their draft positioning. It was just the latest example of "too little, too late" success for the NFC North franchise, which has now missed four consecutive postseasons.

If the Bears want to return to the playoffs, they need to find the right head coach for the job. Matt Eberflus' lack of accountability rubbed Chicago fans the wrong way, leaving general manager Ryan Poles searching for a legitimate leader who can better develop his players.

Interim head coach Thomas Brown is one potential candidate the Bears could consider — especially after making one final attempt to save his job.

Bears News: Thomas Brown Makes Pitch to Return to Chicago

It isn't a secret that the Bears' offense struggled under Eberflus' watch, averaging just 20.1 points (23rd) in 12 games under his watch. On Monday, Brown was asked how the offense — specifically quarterback Caleb Williams — would look if he returns for the 2025 campaign.

"A lot different," Brown told ESPN reporter Courtney Cronin.

On one hand, Brown's self-confidence is admirable. It's important for him to be able to sell himself as a legitimate head coaching option to the Bears (and any other potentially interested teams). If he can't display a belief in his own abilities, a potential employer won't take him seriously.

On the other hand, any pitch Brown makes must be convincing because his track record since taking over Chicago's bench isn't exactly promising.

Since Eberflus' dismissal, Brown has led the Bears to a 1-4 record with a minus-12.2 average scoring margin in the season's final five games. Chicago only averaged 11.3 PPG in four consecutive losses before Sunday's finale, which includes a three-point effort against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17.

One can argue that Brown was at a disadvantage because he inherited Eberflus' mess. Even though that fact is likely playing a role in the equation, the fact that the Bears' attack has looked worse with Brown at the helm could seriously impact his odds of returning.

Whether it's Brown or someone else, the Bears need a head coach who can get the most out of Williams.

The franchise QB's first taste of NFL action was a mixed bag, to say the least. Williams solidly tallied 3,541 passing yards and 20 touchdowns to six interceptions in 17 games, however, his peaks could've been much higher had he not been sacked a league-worst 68 times.

Hopefully, for the fans and Williams' sake, the Bears don't fumble their next head coaching hire.

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