The Chicago Bears’ firing of Matt Eberflus on Friday after a Thanksgiving meltdown marked a new chapter for the franchise, which previously had never dismissed a head coach during the season during its 105-year history.
But could that unprecedented move actually be a sign to coaching candidates of just how promising this opening is?
General manager Ryan Poles said in August that while he expected the Bears to contend for the playoffs and the Super Bowl in any given year, his primary goal for the organization was growth. Instead, Eberflus’ team floundered to a 4-8 mark in his third year at the helm, with rampant missteps and a stale offense that prompted coordinator Shane Waldron’s firing after nine games plaguing what was expected to be a prolific rookie year for No. 1 pick Caleb Williams.
With the quarterback struggling through much of his debut campaign, Chicago now faces questions of whom it will entrust to lead the passer’s development. While that setup could point the Bears to an offensive-minded coach, the Bears could also turn toward someone who could help establish a winning culture for a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 2005-06.
Here are nine possible options for the Bears:
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Bears coaching candidates to replace Matt Eberflus
Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator
Is this finally the opening that would persuade Johnson to make the leap? The architect of the league’s highest-scoring offense – and a top-five unit the past two years as well – has withdrawn from the past two hiring cycles despite drawing significant interest. But with stable, hands-off ownership and a top young quarterback already in the fold, Chicago has plenty with which to sell Johnson. The 37-year-old is a master of creating a system that can allow its signal caller to operate within structure and take advantage of easy looks, which might be just what Williams needs to get back on track. He also could be somewhat of a best-of-both-worlds candidate, as he’s well-schooled in Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes’ approach of building a winning culture. Expect Johnson to be the leading name in the search in the early going.
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator
If the Bears want someone who can harness his quarterback’s distinct playmaking talent, Brady should be on the short list. The 35-year-old’s ascension to offensive coordinator midway through last season has been a boon to Josh Allen, who has powered the league’s third-ranked scoring attack this year despite a shifting receiving corps and injuries to key teammates. Brady has also proved to be highly adaptable, emphasizing the run game when needed and taking advantages of favorable matchups.
Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator
Like Brady, Monken has elevated one of the league’s elite talents, helping Lamar Jackson win NFL MVP for the second time last year while keeping him on track for a possible third this season. Unlike Brady – and many others on this list – Monken has plenty of experience at 58, though his lone head-coaching gig was at Southern Miss from 2013-15. If this year’s top-ranked offense is any model, he would be sure to support Williams with a strong run game and an approach that gets the ball to receivers in space.
Kellen Moore, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator
His tutelage has brought out the best of Dak Prescott and now Jalen Hurts. Now, the 36-year-old figures to once again be a strong candidate a few years after he first emerged as a hot name. A former NFL quarterback, Moore could help relate to Williams more than many of his peers, and his detail-oriented process has been lauded by his peers. He also isn’t afraid to lean into the strength of his team, as the Eagles boast the league’s top rushing attack thanks to Saquon Barkley.
Liam Coen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator
This would no doubt be a sizable leap for the 39-year-old, who only is in his second year of serving as an NFL offensive coordinator after holding the same title for the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. But his innovative approach this season with the Buccaneers, who have persevered through a rash of key injuries, should earn him interviews. Coen might be especially attractive given his use of motion, which could help invigorate a stale attack.
Aaron Glenn, Lions defensive coordinator
He won’t carry the same level of hype as Johnson, but Glenn is nevertheless one of the most important figures in the Lions’ ascension. Despite the loss of Pro Bowl defensive end Aidan Hutchinson to a broken fibula and tibia, Detroit’s defense ranks fourth in points allowed this season. Glenn could help reset the culture in Chicago, though bringing the right offensive coordinator on board would be a critical step.
Bill Belichick, former New England Patriots coach
Have to at least consider it, right? Belichick once again figures to tower over coaching search season, and any team opting for a reboot surely would see at least some upside in handing the reins to the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach. But ceding a significant amount of control to Belichick might be necessary to entice him, and the Bears aren’t set up to simply let the coach run the entire show.
Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator
Hiring Flores would not only give the Bears one of the league’s most respected defensive play-callers, it would also mark a significant hit to a division rival. Flores has previous head coaching experience with the Miami Dolphins, though that could work against him given the critical comments Tua Tagovailoa had about the tone he set for the team. His racial discrimination lawsuit against the league also could loom large.
Mike Vrabel, Cleveland Browns consultant and former Tennessee Titans head coach
Tough, smart football that produces trips to the playoffs should be an easy sell in Chicago. Vrabel’s track record with the Titans should make him one of the most highly sought-after options on the market this offseason. He could provide plenty of support for Williams with a hard-charging run game and stout defense, but he might be drawn to other opportunities that afford him more control in personnel matters.
Thomas Brown, Bears interim head coach
Interim coaches typically face long odds to transition into a full-time gig, but Brown has several factors going in his favor. Williams has shown a distinct spark after Brown was installed as offensive coordinator and helped streamline the attack. More widely, players seem to have responded to his guidance and leadership, and the buy-in he could establish might be hard to dismiss. Brown doesn’t have a full season of play-calling experience, but his results might speak for themselves if he can continue to lift this team.
This story has been updated with new information.