Bears coach Matt Eberflus said Wednesday the plan is for him to call defensive plays the rest of the season.
Eberflus has been coordinating the unit since Alan Williams left for what the team called personal reasons midway through Week 2. A week after that, Williams resigned, citing his health and family. Sources confirmed that his departure was related to his conduct.
In two games with Eberlfus as coordinator, the Bears have allowed 68 points, the third-most in the NFL. The Broncos, whom the Bears play Sunday, have given up a league-high 105 points during that span. The Commanders have allowed 70.
“Where we sit right now, this is the best thing for us,” he said. “The reason is because I’m the defensive coordinator where I came from and it’s a natural fit for us to do that right now.”
It’s an extra responsibility when Eberflus, the head coach, needs to search for answers on both sides of the ball. On game day, he has less time to analyze what worked on each drive because he has head coaching duties.
This week, he’s spent extra time with the struggling offense, working with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko and offensive line coach Chris Morgan.
“To be able to do that ... the defensive staff is helping me out putting the game plan together as we go,” he said.
Eberflus left open the possibility the team could still add some coaching help on the defensive side of the ball; the team has a 10-day break following their “Thursday Night Football” game against the Commanders next week.
Eberflus was the Colts’ defensive coordinator from 2018-21. The defensive the Bears run is rooted in the scheme he created there.
