The Bears fired coach Matt Eberflus on Friday, marking the first time the franchise has ever dismissed a coach during a season. The big picture: Eberflus left a trail of historic futilities after his three dismal seasons attempting to lead the team through a rebuild.

In a very thorough report on what Eberflus experienced this season, Adam Jahns of The Athletic gave details that show the Bears were done with their coach at the beginning of their losing skid. The downfall of this season started during the same game in which the losing streak started, a primetime loss to the Washington commanders.

Defensive coordinator Eric Washington figures to take over the controls — including play-calling on game day — after Eberflus was fired. For a defense that has been teetering during the six-game losing streak,