The Chicago Bears plan to interview interim head coach Thomas Brown for the permanent position.
Brown stepped in for Matt Eberflus, who was dismissed on Nov. 29 after a 4-8 start. Heading into the season’s final game on Sunday, the Bears stood at 4-12.
Despite the team’s poor record, general manager Ryan Poles spoke highly of Brown during an interview with ESPN 1000 in Chicago on Sunday, saying he deserved consideration for the role.
“I’ve been so impressed with Thomas and his leadership,” Poles said. “I know the results haven’t come. That was a very difficult situation he’s been put in. I grew up in this business where you earn more, and that’s exactly how we got here with Thomas. I feel like he’s done a really good job.”
Brown began the season as the Bears’ passing game coordinator. When offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was fired after Week 10, Brown took over the role.
“You could see the leadership traits, and then he got moved to the offense coordinator position and did well. We saw improvements on offense and then at the head coaching level, got the opportunity to do that and lead the entire team,” Poles said.
“And just sitting in team meetings, meeting with him after games — he’s a truth teller. He’s someone that does challenge our players to get better, creates accountability. So there’s a lot of really positive traits that Thomas has, and I’ve been proud of how he’s stepped up and led this team down the stretch here.
And again, it’s not the results that we wanted in terms of wins and losses, but the traits of a leader. He absolutely has those.”
Brown, 38, has more than four years of NFL coaching experience and nine years in the college ranks.
Other teams, including the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints, also have coach openings after firing their coaches during the season. More changes are expected after the regular season ends on what is known as Black Monday.
