The start of NFL training camps marks an important time for beat reporters covering teams around the league, providing fans at home with a wealth of information about the standout players throughout the dog days of summer. But for Bears beat reporter Sean Hammond, this year’s camp comes with a bitter twist — his role at The Chicago Tribune was cut before it ever truly began.

Hammond, who’s covered Chicago sports since 2020 — including stints at Shaw Media newspapers and the Daily Herald — joined the Tribune in March, landing what he called a “dream job” covering the Bears in his hometown.

Unfortunately, Hammond’s time at the Tribune ended abruptly on Thursday, when the publication announced layoffs affecting roughly 10 percent of its newsroom, as first reported by the Chicago Tribune Guild on X.

Hammond confirmed the news on Friday via his own X account, expressing gratitude for the opportunity despite its short duration.

“Four months after landing a dream job covering the Bears in my home city, the Chicago Tribune informed me yesterday that my position has been cut,” Hammond wrote on X. “I’m proud of the work I did and grateful to everyone who helped me along the way.”

The layoffs have seemingly been looming for weeks. In June, the Tribune offered buyouts to newsroom staff, with only longtime investigative reporter Ray Long accepting, preparing for retirement, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

What’s next for Hammond remains uncertain. On social media, he made it clear he’s now on the hunt for his next opportunity.