LAKE FOREST, Ill. – On a day that should have been about the arrival of new defensive end Montez Sweat, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus took the podium at Halas Hall on Wednesday and announced the firing of running backs coach David Walker .
“So David Walker, with the support of [general manager Ryan Poles], [CEO Kevin Warren] “We made the decision this morning that our running backs coach, Coach Walker, has been relieved of his duties,” said Eberflus. “As head coaches, we create a program and have standards that we must adhere to as a staff organization both on and off the field, and those standards were not met.
Walker is the second member of the Eberflus coaching staff to depart since the start of the season. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned for “personal reasons,” but in a later report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he noted that Williams’ departure was due to unacceptable work behavior that was “not criminal.”
Sources confirmed to NBC Sports Chicago that the Bears released Walker due to personnel issues. The Athletic was first to report the news.
When Eberflus was hired as head coach, he envisioned the role of CEO. Since he has now evaluated and reviewed two coaches because they did not meet the standard, the responsibility lies with Eberflus.
“Like I said, it’s disappointing from my perspective,” Eberflus said of Walker’s firing. “But we have to adhere to a standard.” If that standard is not met, we take action. We act accordingly, and we did that today.
“I would say the responsibility is there because I am the head coach of football,” Eberflus said later when asked what blame he had for the turbulent coaching issues. “I would also say that the standard has to be met, right?” And if it’s not met, make a decision. That’s what we did.”
When asked whether he had the feeling that he misjudged Walker and Williams, Eberflus evaded the question.
“We’re proud of that,” Eberflus said of the review. “Actions are actions and we have to take action.”
Eberflus said there were no signs of these issues with Walker when he was hired and believes they did the right thing in hiring him on staff.
“I would just say when you look at things you have to make sure you look at everything. I think we did that,” Eberflus said. “I know we did. Again, this is a process where something happened and we are taking action. And I actually… the way we all came together to do that, it was good.”
Eberflus is proud of the culture he is building in Chicago. Despite the turmoil within the staff and the misjudgment of Walker and Williams, Eberflus maintains that the culture is rock solid.
“Absolutely not. Absolutely not,” Eberflus said when asked if the Bears had a culture problem. “The culture in our building is outstanding.” The guys work hard every day. The relationship piece is there. We take care of each other. We are working diligently to get this matter under control.
“Our culture is great.”
During the 11-minute press conference, Eberflus repeatedly pointed to the Bears’ 2-2 record over the last four weeks as evidence that things are on the right track despite the obvious dysfunction.
When asked if this was a good day for the organization, Eberflus admitted he was discouraged by the issues that led to Walker’s firing.
“We are all disappointed. It’s never good when something like that has to happen. Definitely a disappointment,” said Eberflus. “But I know this: adversity makes you stronger in your personal life and in your team life. It just depends on how you get through it. It depends on how you react to it.”
Despite the issues with Walker, Eberflus insists he has not lost the trust of his players and staff.
“I think the trust is stronger because we are taking action,” Eberflus said. “This is it.” It means taking responsibility and you move forward. Players, coaches, staff. Does not matter.:
Omar Young will assume Walker’s role as running backs coach as the Bears prepare for their Week 9 game against the New Orleans Saints.
Eberflus left the podium Wednesday after asking only two questions about the Bears trade deadline acquisition of Montez Sweat and no questions about the status of quarterback Justin Fields or the future of cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
This tells you everything you need to know about the status of the operation led by Eberflus.
Click here to follow the Under Center Podcast.