The Chicago Bears are in a difficult, yet opportunistic position heading into 2024. The franchise has once again struggled to deliver a winning product to its fanbase this season. However, there does seem to be at least some sense of direction for the team as they finish out the year and head into 2024.
Rumors have swirled around the league that the Chicago Bears coaching staff as well as quarterback Justin Fields‘ future with the team is still under evaluation.
The Chicago Bears still haven’t made a decision on if they will move on from head coach Matt Eberflus and quarterback Justin Fields after this season, per @Schultz_Report. “It’s a week to week evaluation in Chicago.”
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) December 19, 2023
More often than not, if evaluation is still taking place in Week 16, job security isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind. The franchise may decide to start fresh this offseason and this is what it could look like:
Will the Chicago Bears Hit the Reset Button In 2024?
The Head Coach
Matt Eberflus is in his second and potentially final year as head coach in Chicago. He’s amassed a record of 8-23 in his tenure, following another 4th quarter collapse against Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns. This ranks dead last in Chicago Bears history, worse than the likes of Marc Trestman and John Fox.
There had been talks of Eberflus possibly being retained, as he’s been credited with the defense’s sudden and impressive turnaround compared to that of the first half of the season. The Bears had also strung together back-to-back wins, against divisional opponents no less, for the first time since Eberflus had taken the reigns in 2022.
However, the fact of the matter is that those things listed are not accolades, aside from the defense, but rather a reminder of the failure this team has grown accustomed to under Matt Eberflus. Pair this with multiple second-half and fourth-quarter collapses and you’ll see why a new head coach is so desperately needed in Chicago, along with a new defensive play-caller.
Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy
This man is the talk of the town, and not in a good way. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has shown flashes of brilliance, much like quarterback Justin Fields, during his time calling the offense in Chicago. However, these flashes have mostly come on scripted drives throughout the year and when push comes to shove, Getsy has largely failed to capitalize when it matters most.
Whether it being unable to score off of turnovers, mind-boggling play calls in crucial moments, or failing to take the points when needed, the current offensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears has yet to show any level of consistency or ability to adapt against his opponents.
The decision would not be difficult to start fresh at the offensive coordinator position if it weren’t for Fields. If the Bears decide to move on from Luke Getsy in the offseason, it would mark Fields’ third play-caller in his NFL career, four if you count Bill Lazor and Matt Nagy trading play-calling duties in the 2021 season.
The move would also continue a pattern of inconsistency for the young quarterback working to solidify himself as this franchise’s answer at the position.
QB Justin Fields vs. Rookie Quarterback Selection In 2024
While the Bears have yet to officially lock up the first-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, they’re on pace to get it. General Manager Ryan Poles and the Bears front office will face a decision that has already plagued the topic of discussion for Chicago fanbase on Twitter/X.
Do the Bears give Justin Fields another year in Luke Getsy’s offensive scheme, trade back once again, and build around him in the upcoming draft? Or run it back with a new coaching staff?
Then comes the preference that splits the fanbase in two: Drafting a rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.
All of these questions are valid and sure to have already been in talks at Halas Hall ahead of the draft. For Bears fans, the general consensus just wants to see a competitive team capable of winning championships.
The path ahead for the Chicago Bears in 2024 is uncertain. It is, however, a path that could yield untold benefits for the franchise desperately in search of a return to glory if they choose to hit the reset button.
