The Chicago Bears intend to interview interim head coach Thomas Brown for the permanent job.
Brown took over for Matt Eberflus, who was fired Nov. 29 after Chicago’s 4-8 start. Entering the regular-season finale on Sunday, the Bears were 4-12.
Still, despite the 0-4 mark, general manager Ryan Poles told ESPN 1000 in Chicago on Sunday that Brown had earned consideration.
“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, then Eberflus named him offensive coordinator when Shane Waldron was fired after Week 10.
“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 four-plus years of NFL coaching experience and nine in the college ranks.
The New York Jets and New Orleans Saints also fired their coaches during the season and have openings. More are expected hours after the conclusion of the regular season on what has become known as Black Monday.