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Three NFL coaches on notice after Week 3
Chicago Bears HC Matt Eberflus Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Three NFL coaches on notice after Week 3

The 2023 campaign is still in its infancy, but the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" league. With that in mind, here's a look at a few coaches whose seats are getting warm. 

Matt Eberflus, Chicago Bears: Practically nothing has gone right for the Bears during the Eberflus era and the trend is continuing in the form of a brutal 0-3 start to this season. Following a blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, 41-10, on Sunday, Eberflus' record as head coach of the Bears dropped to 3-17. 

A defensive-minded coach, Eberflus' skill set has yet to rub off on the Bears. After three weeks, only the Los Angeles Chargers (450.7) and Denver Broncos (458.3) have given up more yards per game than the Bears (407.3). They've also given up the second-most points against per game (35.3), second only to the Broncos (40.7), who allowed 70 points to the Miami Dolphins in Week 3. 

Defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned recently and quarterback Justin Fields doesn't seem to be on the same page as his coaches, blaming them for his struggles. With upheaval all around Eberflus, the Bears may pull the plug sooner than later if the losses keep piling up. 

Brandon Staley, Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers avoided staying winless, pulling out a 28-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3. However, the Chargers won despite Staley, powered by a historic day from QB Justin Herbert. 

With the Chargers up late, Staley tried to give the game away, inexplicably going for it on fourth down on their own side of the 50-yard line. While the decision ultimately backfired, the Vikings, who fell to 0-3, didn't take advantage. Whether or not analytics back up Staley's choice to go for it, blunders like that will eventually come back to haunt the Chargers against better teams. 

Like Eberflus, Staley is a former defensive coordinator, but the Chargers unit has struggled mightily especially this season. LA gives up the fifth-most points per game (29.0) in the NFL and only the Broncos give up more yards (450.7). Meanwhile, the offense has pulled its weight, ranking second in yards (416.7) and seventh in points scored (28.7). If things don't balance out soon, the Chargers might ponder bringing in a new voice. 

Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings: A season removed from winning a division title, the Vikings knew the 2023 season would be different, but not many expected a winless start through three weeks. O'Connell has had recent success in Minnesota, but an 0-3 start would have mostly any coach on the hot seat. 

If Staley's decision-making is under the microscope, so is O'Connell's, who outdid the Chargers coach on Sunday. Along with inconsistent play-calling on offense, O'Connell was responsible for some poor time management down the stretch. With 35 seconds and a chance to record a walk-off win, O'Connell decided against spiking the ball to stop the clock, instead wasting 23 precious seconds, leading to a rushed interception from quarterback Kirk Cousins. 

Players have performed well this season for the Vikings, who boast several league-leaders in Cousins (1,075 passing yards), wideout Justin Jefferson (458 receiving yards) and edge rusher Danielle Hunter (five sacks). However, for one reason or another, that hasn't translated into wins. At some point, something has to give, and if things don't turn around soon, O'Connell could be on the hook. 

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