MATT NAGY

Two people familiar with the negotiations confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday that the Los Angeles Chargers have found another pass rusher to pair with Joey Bosa: defensive end Khalil Mack from the Chicago Bears in exchange for two draft picks.

CHICAGO — (AP) — Matt Eberflus is the new coach of the Chicago Bears, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press, tasked with turning around a franchise mired in mediocrity for much of the past decade. The person confirmed the move to the AP on condition of anonymity Thursday because there had been no announcement by the Bears. The Colts ranked eighth on defense in 2020, though they slipped to 16th this season. The hire is the first big move for new Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who took over on Tuesday. The Bears fired general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy after a 6-11 season, hoping new leadership will lift a struggling franchise.

Matt Eberflus is the new coach of the Chicago Bears, tasked with turning around a franchise mired in mediocrity for much of the past decade.

Bears Pace Nagy Fired Football FILE - Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace walks on the field before the team's NFL preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins in Chicago, Aug. 14, 2021. The Chicago Bears decided to make sweeping changes and fired general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, hoping new leadership in the front office and on the sideline will lift a struggling franchise. Chicago fired Pace and Nagy on Monday, hoping new leadership in the front office and on the sideline will lift a struggling franchise. They would ideally hire a general manager first and then a coach. Running back David Montgomery appreciated the opportunity Pace and Nagy gave him by drafting him out of Iowa State in 2019.

Patriots Dolphins Football Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores directs his team during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Wilfredo Lee)From the NFC North to the AFC East, the firings began almost immediately after the NFL's first 17-game season concluded. The Vikings fired coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman on Monday following an 8-9 season. Division rival Chicago parted with coach Matt Nagy and GM Ryan Pace after going 6-11. And in a relative surprise, Miami dismissed coach Brian Flores, whose Dolphins went 9-8, including a sweep of archrival New England. While Green Bay is an NFL power and perennial championship contender, the Vikings and Bears have done more teasing than triumphant.

From the NFC North to the AFC East, the firings began almost immediately after the NFL’s first 17-game season concluded.

Bears Vikings Football Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy, center, walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn) (Bruce Kluckhohn)CHICAGO — (AP) — The Chicago Bears fired general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy on Monday, hoping new leadership in the front office and on the sideline will lift a struggling franchise. The Bears went 48-65 with one winning season and made the postseason twice in the seven years since Pace was hired out of New Orleans' front office in 2015 to replace Phil Emery. Nagy went 34-31 in four seasons. Chairman George McCaskey opted to stick with Pace and Nagy last January after Chicago went 8-8 in the regular season for the second year in a row.

The Chicago Bears have fired general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy, hoping new leadership in the front office and on the sideline will lift a struggling franchise.

Good morning, Chicago. Here are some of the top stories you need to know to start your day.

Kirk Cousins threw for two touchdowns, and the Minnesota Vikings beat the struggling and short-handed Chicago Bears 17-9.

The NFL has updated its protocols in reaction to an increase in COVID-19 cases around the league, and it is pushing booster shots as the most effective protection against the coronavirus. Washington placed three more players on the COVID-19 list Thursday, following eight Wednesday. Also:—Seattle might be without one of its stars, receiver Tyler Lockett, who was put on the COVID-19 list Thursday along with running back Alex Collins. —Cleveland tight end David Njoku was activated from the COVID-19 list, adding a playmaker heading into Saturday’s game against Las Vegas. The Browns had 17 players, including 10 starters, on the COVID-19 list and are placing safety Ronnie Harrison there.

Chicago put five players on the COVID-19 reserve list since Monday and have six on it overall. Washington placed three more players on the COVID-19 list Thursday, following eight Wednesday. Also:— Seattle might be without one of its stars, receiver Tyler Lockett, who was put on the COVID-19 list Thursday along with running back Alex Collins. — Cleveland tight end David Njoku was activated from the COVID-19 list, adding a playmaker heading into Saturday’s game against Las Vegas. The Browns have 17 players, including 10 starters, on the COVID-19 list.

The NFL has updated its protocols in reaction to an increase in COVID-19 cases around the league, and it is pushing booster shots as the most effective protection against the coronavirus.

Ravens Bears Football Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields drops back to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (Charles Rex Arbogast)LAKE FOREST, Ill. — (AP) — Justin Fields is set to return to the Chicago Bears' lineup. Coach Matt Nagy said Wednesday the prized rookie quarterback will start when the team visits the Green Bay Packers this week after missing the past two games because of broken ribs. Nagy said the decision to start Fields was not related to Dalton's injury, adding the former Ohio State star remains the team's No. Fields has completed 115 of 198 passes for 1,361 yards in 10 games and eight starts.

Justin Fields is set to return to the Chicago Bears’ lineup.

Cairo Santos made a 28-yard game-ending field goal to give the Chicago Bears a 16-14 win over the Detroit Lions on Thursday.

Maybe the NFL teams set to play on Thanksgiving got caught looking ahead to the holiday extravaganza.

When the reigning league MVP and several other key players enter the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols, it clouds the numbers that indicate significant progress made in protection against the coronavirus.

Bears Steelers Football Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Pittsburgh. Chris Boswell hit a 40-yard field goal with 26 seconds left and the Steelers escaped with a 29-27 win. “I felt good.”Boswell gave Pittsburgh a 26-20 lead when he kicked a 52-yard field goal with 2:52 to play. “We know we’re on the brink of being a great offense,” Fields said. The Bears punted on their first two possessions and Fields threw an interception on the third drive, leading to Pittsburgh’s second touchdown.

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields nearly had his moment in the spotlight on “Monday Night Football,” as he almost led his team to a comeback victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bears Buccaneers Football Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) (Jason Behnken)LAKE FOREST, Ill. — (AP) — Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy will miss Sunday's game against San Francisco because of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol. The team announced Saturday that special teams coordinator Chris Tabor will serve as head coach against the 49ers. The 43-year-old coach, who is vaccinated, announced the result during a Zoom call minutes after his usual in-person session was switched. The Bears will have Quinn, Johnson and Wilkinson back for the matchup with the visiting 49ers (2-4), but offensive lineman Germain Ifedi was placed on the COVID-19 list on Friday. ___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy will miss Sunday’s game against San Francisco because of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol.

Bears Buccaneers Football Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) (Jason Behnken)LAKE FOREST, Ill. — (AP) — Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy says he has tested positive for COVID-19. Nagy, who is vaccinated, announced the result during a Zoom call Monday minutes after his usual in-person session was switched. If they are symptomatic, they need two negative tests taken at least 24 hours apart and must be symptom-free for 48 hours. The Bears had four players on the COVID-19 list as of Monday morning, including star linebacker Robert Quinn and veteran tight end Jimmy Graham. ___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy says he has tested positive for COVID-19.

Lions Bears Football Chicago Bears running back Damien Williams (8) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Justin Fields during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) (David Banks)LAKE FOREST, Ill. — (AP) — Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy has changed his mind and made Justin Fields the Chicago Bears' starting quarterback going forward. On Monday, Nagy had said Fields was still the backup and playing only because of Andy Dalton's knee injury. “We've been patient with this, we've grown with him, we're proud of Justin,” Nagy said. 20 in the first round of the draft to pick Fields, and Nagy had said all along the job was Dalton's until coaches felt Fields was ready.

After resisting the move in the past Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy has made Justin Fields his first-string quarterback going forward and has moved Andy Dalton into the backup role.

The Chicago Bears' offense has dealt with adversity from injuries since the second game of the season. It will only worsen heading into preparation for their game Sunday at Las Vegas against the Raiders, because now the injuries include running backs as well as quarterbacks. The knee injury suffered by running back David Montgomery in a 106-yard effort during a 24-14 win Sunday over the Detroit Lions will be an uncertain situation to watch going forward.

A historically bad effort by the Chicago offense has coach Matt Nagy rethinking his approach after only the third week of the season. It could all lead to a change in who calls the plays or even who the quarterback is as the Bears prepare to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Soldier Field. “Again, just to keep it super simple, everything’s on the table,” Nagy said.

Myles Garrett made a franchise record 4 1/2 sacks on Justin Fields and Cleveland brought down Chicago’s rookie quarterback nine times while harassing him throughout his first NFL start as the Browns thumped the Bears 26-6.

APTOPIX Bengals Bears Football Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) carries the ball and is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh)LAKE FOREST, Ill. — (AP) — Justin Fields is set to make his first start for the Chicago Bears. The team will go with the prized rookie quarterback when the Bears visit the Cleveland Browns this week with veteran Andy Dalton sidelined because of a left knee injury, coach Matt Nagy said Wednesday. Nagy said the three-time Pro Bowler is week to week, though the Bears don't think he will be placed on injured reserve. Dalton was in for the next drive, before Fields led Chicago’s final one of the half.

Justin Fields is set to make his first start for the Chicago Bears.

Andy Dalton had a knee issue, and Tyrod Taylor exited with a hamstring injury. Tagovailoa was knocked out of Miami's 35-0 loss to Buffalo when he was hit by A.J. Tagovailoa struggled just to get to the sideline and was carted to the locker room not long afterward. Tagovailoa was having tests performed, a process that will continue into Monday, Dolphins coach Brian Flores said. Wentz injured his ankle in the fourth quarter of the Colts' 27-24 loss to the Rams.

It was a rough day for NFL quarterbacks.

Matthew Stafford passed for 321 yards and three touchdowns in a dynamic debut for the Los Angeles Rams.

Nagy plans to start veteran Andy Dalton in Week 1 regardless of how well Fields performs in the preseason. But Nagy also wants to see Fields play against a starting defense at some point. Jets coach Robert Saleh plans to give him more reps against the Packers on Saturday and play him in the final preseason game next week. 3 by San Francisco, made the biggest play of all the rookie QBs last week. Patrick Mahomes started only one game as a rookie playing behind Alex Smith and was the NFL MVP in his second season.

Justin Fields outshined his fellow first-round quarterbacks in their preseason openers.

The Chicago Bears are now without both of their top two draft picks. Coach Matt Nagy on Wednesday said quarterback Justin Fields was out of practice due to a groin injury, while second-round pick, offensive lineman Teven Jenkins, was facing back surgery. The injury to Fields is considered minor but Jenkins has been out all of training camp after suffering back injury symptoms during the four days rookies were allowed to practice just before the start of regular training camp.

Rookie quarterback Justin Fields came off the bench in the second quarter and rallied the Chicago Bears from a 13-0 deficit to a 20-13 win over the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field to start each team's preseason.

Nagy will not be on the field when quarterback Justin Fields and the team’s other rookies get to work on Friday. ___The Minnesota Twins are ramping up to full capacity for home games at Target Field. A limited number of seating pods will be available for fans who prefer to remain in a socially distanced environment. The White Sox will also have two sections for vaccinated fans only when they host the Kansas City Royals this weekend. State and city officials are requiring a designated area specifically for fully vaccinated fans at Wrigley for a four-game series against the Washington Nationals that begins Monday.

Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy will participate virtually in the team’s rookie minicamp this weekend rather than in person because a close contact tested positive for COVID-19.

Bears moved up to take Justin Fields at No. 11 in the NFL draft, trying to make up for lost ground at QB since passing on Patrick Mahomes in 2017.

Patrick Surtain II and Mac Jones had the spotlight at Alabama's Pro Day, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)DeVonta Smith was there for quarterback Mac Jones once again, this time it was at Alabama's latest pro day. “He didn't have to do that,” Jones told the SEC Network, which aired the pro day. '”Jones showcased his arm strength a week after participating in the Crimson Tide's first pro day. “Mac was just on me like, ‘Bro, come catch, come catch, come catch,’” Smith told the network.

Bieniemy has become the cause celebre when it comes to minority assistants who have been denied the opportunity to become head coaches in the NFL. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)Eric Bieniemy has become the cause celebre when it comes to minority assistants who have been denied the opportunity to become NFL head coaches. “I did not ask be the poster boy of this particular situation that I have experienced,” Bieniemy said Tuesday. “I don’t understand everything, I am not an owner, I don’t sit in those meetings to interview head coaches,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. Bieniemy isn’t alone when it comes to minority coordinators in the Super Bowl who didn’t get a head coaching offer this offseason.

– Tyreek Hill was thrilled to hear that his first wide receivers coach, David Culley, was going to be an NFL head coach. After interviewing for six openings, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy ultimately was passed over during the annual coaching carousel. That became official when the Houston Texans hired Culley, the long-time Andy Reid assistant who had been the assistant head coach in Baltimore. “I mean, I'm not a GM or anything but I will say, Coach Bieniemy has helped me a lot,” Hill said Thursday, after the Chiefs finished their first real practice for the Super Bowl. He wants to be a head coach.

FILE - Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace walks the field before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Chicago, in this Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, file photo. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)CHICAGO – The Chicago Bears plan to keep general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy for at least another season. Chicago won the NFC North at 12-4 in 2018 — Nagy's first season. The Bears have two playoff appearances and a 42-54 regular-season record in six years under Pace, while Nagy is 28-20. There was speculation Pace or Nagy could be on their way out when the Bears lost six in a row this season — their worst skid since 2002.

Brees completed 28 of 39 passes for 265 yards, connecting with Michael Thomas and Latavius Murray for touchdowns, and the New Orleans Saints defeated the Chicago Bears 21-9 in an NFC wild-card game Sunday. Brees' first touchdown pass in the opening quarter was 11-yards over the middle to Thomas, back from a three-game absence to help heal a nagging ankle injury. The 2019 Offensive Player of the Year missed nine games this season and had not caught a touchdown pass since December 2019. That marked the second time this season a Bears player was thrown out for action taken against Gardner-Johnson after the whistle. The Bears have reached the playoffs twice since Pace took over in 2015, both times under Nagy, who was hired in 2018.

(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)The NFC playoff field features the usual cast of quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Russell Wilson. Last Lombardi: Super Bowl 45, 31-25 over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Feb. 6, 2011, at Arlington, Texas. Last Lombardi: Super Bowl 48, 43-8 over the Denver Broncos on Feb. 2, 2014, at East Rutherford, N.J. Last year: No. The Bears’ leading tackler left in the first quarter of the Green Bay game with an elbow injury. DBs Buster Skrine, rookie Jaylon Johnson and Deon Bush missed the loss to Green Bay.

FILE - In this Jan. 20, 2019, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy greets a player during the second half of the team's AFC championship NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)NEW YORK – The New York Jets kicked off their coaching search by interviewing Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy on Wednesday. He was promoted to Kansas City's offensive coordinator in 2018 after Matt Nagy left to become the Bears coach. Under Bieniemy, Mahomes has become one of the NFL's most dynamic and productive players and the Chiefs' offense has thrived. Kansas City has finished no worse than sixth in yards and points per game in Bieniemy's three season in charge of the offense.

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)While Matt Nagy gets to coach Chicago in the playoffs despite a middling 8-8 record that could help save his job, former Bears coach Lovie Smith can only wonder if the extra team in the postseason could have helped him eight years ago. Smith’s Bears teams from the beginning of last decade are near the top of that list. Chicago lost five of six and missed the postseason as the seventh seed with an 8-8 mark. The tough-luck missing playoff team that season was the Giants, who missed out the year before Eli Manning and Co. won their second Super Bowl under coach Tom Coughlin.

The Green Bay Packers clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC by beating the playoff-bound Chicago Bears 35-16 on Sunday. “This is a special season," Rodgers said. And the Packers beat Chicago again after pounding the Bears at Lambeau Field to start their win streak. Green Bay then drove 76 yards, with Jones scoring from the 4 to make it 28-16 with 3:47 remaining.

That 14-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, his second score of the game, put Chicago ahead again by double digits. Every time the Vikings made a push, this once-flailing Bears offense had an answer. Cairo Santos, who converted all four of his kicks, stretched his streak to 22 straight field goals made. The Vikings, who finished 3-5 at home this year, had four goal-to-go situations that yielded only two touchdowns. When the Vikings beat them 19-13 five weeks ago in Chicago, the Bears managed two first-half field goals and needed a kickoff return touchdown by Cordarrelle Patterson to stay competitive.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO – Darrell Bevell had a hard time processing everything from his first game as an NFL coach. They fired general manager Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia while elevating Bevell, their offensive coordinator, to interim coach. But the Lions turned things around down the stretch, sending the Bears (5-7) to their sixth straight loss. The Lions came out on top after losing four of five, and Stafford gave Bevell the game ball.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, in Chicago. Cousins threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns, and the Minnesota Vikings overcame a 104-yard kickoff return by Chicago’s Cordarrelle Patterson to beat the Bears 19-13. “We’ll try to keep building on it now, and it’ll be so important to keep stringing these together if we can. It was the longest kickoff return in franchise history, surpassing Gale Sayers’ 103-yarder against Pittsburgh on Sept. 17, 1967. Cousins completed 25 of 36 passes with two touchdowns to Thielen, who has nine on the season.

(AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)All NFL games are on for this weekend while teams deal with COVID-19 issues. The Cincinnati Bengals kept players away from their training facility, while tackle Fred Johnson and defensive back Trae Waynes were placed on the COVID-19 list. “The whole reason we’re doing it is to get guys to the game,” coach Raheem Morris said. Everybody wants to play the game.”A Miami Dolphins assistant coach, also unidentified, tested positive for COVID-19 and was quarantined. The Houston Texans returned to their facility a day after it was closed following a positive COVID-19 test by a player.

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___The Green Bay Packers placed linebacker Krys Barnes and reserve quarterback Jordan Love on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The list is for a player who has tested positive or has been in close contact with an infected person. The Bears canceled practice and closed their facility Thursday after another player tested positive. ___The Atlanta Falcons canceled practice and worked virtually Friday after a member of the football staff tested positive for COVID-19. “The whole reason we’re doing it is to get guys to the game,” coach Raheem Morris said.

Hamler (13) celebrates his game-tying touchdown with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. “Division rival, close game,” Chargers running back Justin Jackson explained, adding, “We weren’t too happy with 22′s hit on Buster,” referencing safety Kareem Jackson’s unflagged blasting of running back Troymaine Pope in the second half. “I’ll never watch something weak like that happen to a defenseless teammate and not defend him,” Anderson added. Saints cornerback Janoris Jenkins jumped on Wims and soon players from both teams rushed in to break up the ruckus. Wims emerged from the pileup clapping and smiling as he was ejected and escorted to his locker room.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Javon Wims and New Orleans Saints cornerback Janoris Jenkins (20) fight in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO – The NFL suspended Chicago Bears receiver Javon Wims two games Monday for punching New Orleans Saints safety C.J. The penalty against Wims pushed the Bears back to a second-and-20. Bears coach Matt Nagy said Wims was “apologetic” when they spoke Monday and understands “you can’t do what he did.” But Nagy would not say what led to the altercation. Wims has three business days to appeal the suspension, under the collective bargaining agreement between the league and players' union.

“I don’t ever remember having our own defense score more than our offense,” Nagy said. “That’s that’s that’s hard to do. But the offense has averaged 16 points per game in Foles’ four starts since, and he’s getting little help from the players around him. The offensive line struggled against the strong front of the Rams (5-2), producing just 2.9 yards per carry. Foles was sacked four times, twice at the hands of former Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd, and he threw two interceptions.

“To join a team and to be embraced the way that I’ve been embraced — it’s been amazing for me,” Brady said. Brady threw for 369 yards and five touchdowns and helped Tampa Bay overcome a 17-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-31 last week. Indianapolis won 11 games that season, with Arians going 9-3 as interim coach while Pagano was battling leukemia. Getting it back in gear won't be easy this week, considering Tampa Bay ranks second against the run. “That happened to be a game there, where we were just struggling to get it going," coach Matt Nagy said.

Hes got a lot more control of the offense this year, Gase said of Darnold. DOUG MARRONE, JAGUARSIt's hard to believe Jacksonville was a win at New England away from making the Super Bowl three seasons ago. But like Gase and the Jets, Nagy's future is likely tied to the performance of his quarterback. DAN QUINN, FALCONSThat 28-3 halftime lead over New England in the Super Bowl four seasons ago is a distant memory. A bad start this year, though, might be tough to recover from for Quinn in his sixth season.