After enduring a challenging season that hinted at imminent dismissal, Bears coach Matt Eberflus finds himself under intense scrutiny, with his coaching seat ranking among the hottest in the NFL.
The upcoming season presents Eberflus with significant changes, including the introduction of two new coordinators, likely a fresh quarterback, and a clear directive to secure victories.
Adding to the pressure is a recent survey conducted by the NFLPA, where Eberflus received a ranking of 25th out of 32 coaches according to player feedback.
Notably, four coaches positioned below Eberflus on the list faced termination last season.
The NFLPA’s survey covered various aspects of the league, providing insights into team environments across 11 categories, from facility quality to coaching effectiveness.
The Bears emerged 10th overall in the rankings.
Specifically concerning coaching, players were asked to assess how their input and time were valued by their coaches.
Eberflus received mixed reviews, with 81% of Bears players expressing satisfaction with his time management, ranking him 23rd, and acknowledging his moderate willingness to listen, positioning him at 18th.
NFLPA president J.C. Tretter emphasized that the assessment went beyond football prowess, highlighting the importance of factors like communication and player engagement.
The survey results often correlate with coaching records, with top-ranked coaches like Andy Reid and Kyle Shanahan reflecting their teams’ success.
In the NFC North division, Kevin O’Connell of the Vikings and Dan Campbell of the Lions secured top grades.
Eberflus earned a B rating from his players, albeit in a context where most coaches were perceived as above average. Notably, Bill Belichick, despite his illustrious career, received a low ranking, reflecting concerns about his interaction with players.
Beyond coaching, the Bears’ ownership garnered a B+ rating, attributed to perceived investments in facilities. However, concerns were raised about aspects such as cafeteria quality and family treatment.
The Bears’ facilities generally received positive feedback, with high marks for amenities like the weight room and locker room.
However, areas like cafeteria food quality and family accommodations revealed room for improvement.
The report card also shed light on practices within other teams, such as the Buccaneers’ policy of shared accommodations for younger players and the Browns’ unconventional postgame family area.
Ultimately, the report underscores the significance of player satisfaction and organizational culture in shaping team dynamics and performance.
