Not all firsts in life are nice and merry. Thomas Brown’s first game as the Bears‘ interim coach could possibly have not gone any worse. But his candor stole the show after the Bears’ 38-13 loss to the 49ers.

Brown admitted they got their “butts kicked,” signaling bigger problems than just a single bad game. In the post-game presser, Brown didn’t sugarcoat the reality. “We didn’t win. So that’s going to be my only focus,” he said. Despite taking the reins on short notice, Brown acknowledged the lack of preparation wasn’t an excuse. Instead, he highlighted the team’s failure to execute, the slow starts, and the lack of explosive plays.

“It’s a grown man’s business. There is no laydown or quite enough football teams I love,” Brown added, doubling down on the need for passion and unity in the locker room. This brutal honesty may resonate with fans, but it exposes cracks in team morale. Being outgained 319-4 in the first half wasn’t just a bad performance; it was historical futility. The Bears simply couldn’t sustain drives. Caleb Williams took 7 sacks, and the team looked overwhelmed. Brown’s leadership will be tested in navigating these fractures while still demanding accountability. And his first assignment as interim head coach came against a 49ers team hungry for redemption.

Unfortunately, the Bears’ response lacked the fire one might expect after firing Matt Eberflus. Instead, they fell into a 24-0 halftime hole, generating only 1 first down. He emphasized the need for faster starts and hinted at disorganization in preparation, though he refused to blame the short turnaround. His critique extended to the lack of cohesion and adjustments on both sides of the ball, leaving no one off the hook.

Even with Williams throwing two late touchdowns to Rome Odunze, the damage was already done. Williams, who was sacked 56 times this season, also fumbled once, further exposing systemic issues. Can Thomas Brown’s approach turn this ship around, or will it deepen the divide?

What’s next for the Bears? 4 weeks to salvage a shattered season

The Bears, now 4-9, face a grim path forward. Brown has just four games to salvage pride in a season teetering on collapse. With 7 straight losses and playoff hopes long gone, the focus shifts to damage control and developing young players like Williams. The new coach was all praise for the young QB. “I think he’s relatively always calm and collective. Obviously, he’s super competitive… He’s a superconfident dude; he’s not rattled one bit.” Brown’s comments reflect the importance Caleb has gained in the team. But Thomas didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room.

“It always starts with me,” he said, promoting a culture of accountability. “So communicate better to the entire staff; continue to try to find a way to demand more of my players so we can show up on game and play the right way,” Brown added, demanding more of his players. While Williams’s performance continues to highlight deeper problems.

Caleb did avoid interceptions for a 7-straight game, but constant pressure has hampered his development. He capped off with 134 passing yards on 17 completions out of 34. Williams was under constant pressure throughout the game, and the 7 sacks hindered his ability to get into a rhythm. However, he showed resilience in the second half, moving the ball effectively and keeping his team competitive. But the offensive line’s struggles and inconsistent game planning have magnified his growing pains. Now that he’s at the helm, what difference can Brown make?

Brown’s direct style could galvanize the team, or it could alienate a roster already battered by a disappointing season. The next four weeks will be a test of resilience, both for Brown and the players. Can they end on a positive note, or is a full rebuild inevitable? Thomas Brown’s debut set a rough tone, but his honesty might just light a spark.