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First, let me begin by addressing the Chicago Bears’ current situation after firing Matt Eberflus. What are their next steps, and what do they truly desire? These are probably two separate things.
On Friday, Eberflus became the first head coach in the Bears’ 104-year history to be fired mid-season. While this marks a historical first, it also continues a cycle of instability that has plagued the team for nearly a decade.
This pattern began less than a year after the Bears selected a quarterback in the first round, only to fire the staff that drafted him. It happened in 2018 when they dismissed John Fox after Mitchell Trubisky’s first season. They repeated the move in 2022, firing Matt Nagy after Justin Fields’ first season. Now, Caleb Williams is facing a similar fate.
Despite the turmoil surrounding him, Williams has displayed signs of growth and special talent. In the game that marked a turning point against the Washington Commanders, Williams gave the Bears their first lead of the game with just 25 seconds left. He also helped put the Bears in position for a game-winning field goal against the Green Bay Packers and forced overtime against the Minnesota Vikings. Given all the adversity he’s faced, there is hope Williams can outperform his predecessors.
However, the harsh reality is clear: the Bears will have to pay a price for this mismanagement.
Even without Williams, the Bears’ roster is full of talent. As team president Kevin Warren mentioned on Monday, the head coaching job is “the most prestigious in the NFL.”
But with Williams in the mix, is Chicago an attractive coaching destination?
The Bears can’t rely solely on that. They need to invest in their head coaching search, which means allocating funds for salaries, staff, and resources that can help the team win.
Historically, the Bears haven’t done this, and it may be reluctant to spend due to the costs tied to a new billion-dollar stadium. Their recent history is not promising, with evident dysfunction.
The decision to allow Eberflus to hold a press conference on Friday, only to fire him two hours later, was embarrassing. Monday’s press conference only added to the confusion, as it became apparent that Warren, not general manager Ryan Poles, was making the decisions, despite claims of a “collaborative effort.”
This internal disarray presents a red flag for potential coaching candidates.
So, assuming the McCaskeys, Warrens, and Poles align, who could be the next head coach? Let’s explore potential candidates.
Will the Bears Support Caleb Williams?
Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator While this may be a long shot, Johnson could be the perfect fit for the Bears. If he leaves Detroit, his price will be high due to his increasing popularity. Johnson would have a lot to work with in Chicago, including Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, D’Andre Swift, and Cole Kmet. With some rookie offensive linemen added, the Bears’ offense could become explosive. Johnson has learned a lot about changing culture from Dan Campbell, but his lack of head coaching experience is a concern. Still, his potential to revitalize the Bears’ offense makes him a top candidate.
Mike Vrabel, Tennessee Titans Head Coach Vrabel is a well-regarded coach who has built a strong culture in Tennessee. While he’s not a playcaller, he knows how to assemble a winning staff and identify coaching talent. He was instrumental in the success of Matt LaFleur and Arthur Smith, both of whom went on to become head coaches. Vrabel’s leadership and track record in the playoffs would bring credibility to the Bears. His ability to manage a team and build a strong staff could be the cultural shift Chicago needs.
Kliff Kingsbury, Washington Commanders Offensive Coordinator Kingsbury is a likely candidate due to his connection with Caleb Williams, whom he coached at USC. Under Kingsbury, the Commanders’ offense ranks near the top of the league in efficiency, and he helped rookie quarterback Daniels achieve remarkable success. Despite a rocky tenure in Arizona, Kingsbury has shown he can develop quarterbacks like Kyler Murray. His familiarity with Williams and his offensive acumen could make him a strong fit in Chicago.
Liam Coen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Coen’s work with Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay has been impressive. The Bucs’ offense ranks in the top 10 in key metrics, and Coen has rejuvenated Mayfield’s career. If he can work similar magic with Caleb Williams, the Bears could see immediate improvement. Coen’s ability to craft an offense that plays to a quarterback’s strengths makes him an intriguing option, though he will likely attract interest from other teams as well.
Thomas Brown, Bears Interim Head Coach Brown may not be the most exciting option, but he has shown promise in a short time as interim head coach. Under his leadership, Williams has shown improvement, particularly in handling blitzes. Brown has made adjustments that have helped the offense become more dynamic, and if the Bears respond positively to his leadership, he could earn a longer tenure. His ability to address problems and motivate the team is a quality that could appeal to the Bears’ front office.
Honorable Mentions:
- Dan Pitcher, Bengals Offensive Coordinator
- Drew Petzing, Cardinals Offensive Coordinator
- Aaron Glenn, Lions Defensive Coordinator
- Todd Monken, Ravens Offensive Coordinator
- Kellen Moore, Eagles Offensive Coordinator
With these candidates, the Bears have options to turn their franchise around. However, they must ensure they provide the necessary resources and support to make the right choice and break the cycle of instability.
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