Here’s who Bears Are Linking to the Chicago Bears Head Coaching Position.

As the Chicago Bears struggle through another season of underperformance, rumors and speculation about the future of their head coach, Matt Eberflus, have reached a fever pitch. With the team facing the potential of missing the playoffs for another year, Bears fans and analysts alike are looking ahead to potential coaching changes. If the Bears do decide to part ways with Eberflus, several names are emerging as strong candidates to take over one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises.

1. Eberflus’ Current Situation and Why Change May Be Coming

Matt Eberflus was hired in 2022 to usher in a new era for the Bears, with a focus on developing a strong defense and working alongside the young quarterback Justin Fields. Unfortunately, things have not gone according to plan. While Fields has shown flashes of potential, the team’s performance has been largely inconsistent, especially on the defensive side, which was expected to be the strength of Eberflus’ tenure. The Bears have struggled in key areas such as pass defense, scoring consistency, and overall game management. With a talented quarterback in Fields, the Bears need a head coach who can maximize his potential and turn the team into a consistent playoff contender. This has prompted speculation that the Bears may be in the market for a new head coach sooner rather than later.

2. Frank Reich – Former Indianapolis Colts Head Coach

Frank Reich is one name that has been frequently linked to the Chicago Bears head coaching job. Reich is a veteran coach with experience as both an offensive coordinator and a head coach in the NFL. He served as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2022, leading them to multiple playoff appearances. Despite some struggles during his final years with the Colts, Reich has an extensive track record of success, particularly in the development of quarterbacks.

Reich’s ability to work with quarterbacks is a major selling point. He was instrumental in helping Andrew Luck thrive during his prime years in Indianapolis and was also behind the development of Carson Wentz, at least in the early years of Wentz’s career. Given the Bears’ reliance on developing Justin Fields, Reich’s experience with quarterbacks would be seen as a valuable asset in his candidacy.

In addition to his quarterback acumen, Reich is known for his leadership skills and experience in building a strong locker room culture. His background in working under highly successful coaches such as Doug Pederson (with the Philadelphia Eagles) would give him the credibility to step into a head coach role with the Bears.

3. Ben Johnson – Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator

Another name making waves in Chicago is Ben Johnson, the highly respected offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Johnson has transformed the Lions’ offense into one of the most dynamic units in the league. With a reputation for being a creative play caller, Johnson has helped Jared Goff elevate his game, and the Lions offense has seen significant improvements under his watch.

The key draw for the Bears is Johnson’s expertise in developing a young quarterback. Like Fields, Goff has had his struggles but has turned a corner under Johnson’s tutelage. With the Bears’ franchise quarterback still in need of refinement and consistency, Johnson could be the ideal coach to unlock Fields’ full potential. Johnson’s innovative offensive mind would align well with the Bears’ need to become more competitive offensively, especially in a division that has historically been known for strong defenses.

Johnson’s success with the Lions has raised his stock around the league, and many believe that a head coaching job is imminent for him. His understanding of modern offenses, combined with his ability to build a system around his quarterback’s strengths, would make him a natural fit for a Bears team that needs a fresh offensive philosophy.

4. Jim Harbaugh – University of Michigan Head Coach

Jim Harbaugh’s name has frequently surfaced in connection with the Chicago Bears head coaching position, and for good reason. Harbaugh, who previously coached the Bears from 2002 to 2003 as the team’s quarterbacks coach, has a long history with the organization. After leaving the NFL, Harbaugh went on to become one of the most successful college football coaches in the nation, first with the San Francisco 49ers and then with the University of Michigan.

During his time with the 49ers, Harbaugh established himself as a proven winner, taking the team to a Super Bowl and leading them to multiple NFC Championship Games. His success in turning around struggling teams makes him an intriguing option for the Bears. Harbaugh has also worked with a variety of quarterbacks during his career, including notable players like Colin Kaepernick and Andrew Luck, helping them reach their full potential.

One of the factors working in Harbaugh’s favor is his familiarity with the Bears franchise. His competitive nature and intense personality would likely resonate in a locker room full of young players looking for guidance and discipline. Harbaugh’s proven ability to build strong, cohesive teams could provide the jolt the Bears need to become a competitive force in the NFC North again.

5. David Shaw – Former Stanford Head Coach

David Shaw, former head coach at Stanford University, is another potential candidate that has been mentioned for the Bears job. Shaw has a reputation for developing players at the collegiate level and creating a disciplined, balanced offense. His success at Stanford—where he won multiple Pac-12 titles—has led some to believe that he could make the jump to the NFL.

Shaw’s coaching philosophy revolves around intelligent play and physicality, making him a good fit for a Bears team that values toughness and discipline. His ability to develop quarterbacks—particularly during his time mentoring Andrew Luck at Stanford—has drawn attention, and his balanced, pro-style offense could help develop Justin Fields into a more consistent and effective quarterback in the NFL.

The challenge for Shaw, however, would be adjusting to the speed and demands of the NFL. While his background is strong, he has no experience coaching at the professional level, and it remains to be seen if he could make a seamless transition.

6. Other Candidates to Consider

Several other names have also been floated in relation to the Chicago Bears head coaching job, including:

• Sean Payton – The former head coach of the New Orleans Saints is widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in football. Although Payton has a championship pedigree, his willingness to leave the Saints remains uncertain.
• Mike Kafka – The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator has gained significant attention for his work with Patrick Mahomes. Kafka’s innovative approach and strong offensive mind could make him a strong candidate for the Bears if they look for a younger, forward-thinking coach.
• Dan Quinn – Currently the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, Quinn has a strong defensive background and took the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl as their head coach. If the Bears decide to stick with their defensive-minded philosophy, Quinn could be a viable option.

Conclusion

While the future of Matt Eberflus remains uncertain, the Chicago Bears have a strong list of potential head coaching candidates to consider. Whether they opt for a proven leader like Frank Reich, a rising star like Ben Johnson, or a former Bears coach with a track record like Jim Harbaugh, the next hire will be crucial to shaping the franchise’s future. The team’s success hinges on finding a coach who can develop Justin Fields and build a winning culture around him. Time will tell which direction the Bears choose, but the list of candidates is filled with intriguing possibilities.