Ben Johnson as a replacement for Matt Eberflus?

November 30, 2024

The Chicago Bears’ firing of Matt Eberflus on Friday after a Thanksgiving meltdown marked a new chapter for the franchise, which had never fired a head coach during the season in its 105-year history.

But could this unprecedented move for coaching candidates actually be a sign of how promising the position is?

General manager Ryan Poles said in August that while he expected the Bears to contend for the playoffs and the Super Bowl every year, his main goal for the organization was growth. Instead, Eberflus’ team slipped to a 4-8 mark in his third year at the helm, with rampant missteps and a stale offense that led to coordinator Shane Waldron being fired after nine games, leading to an expectedly productive rookie team. Year wiped out for No. 1 pick Caleb Williams.

With the quarterback struggling for much of his debut season, Chicago now faces the question of who it will trust with the passer’s development. While this setup could point the Bears toward an offensive-minded coach, the Bears could also turn to someone who could help establish a winning culture for a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 2005-06 has.

Here are nine possible options for the Bears:

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Bears coaching candidates replace Matt Eberflus

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator

Is this finally the opening that would persuade Johnson to take the plunge? The architect of the league’s highest-scoring offense – and a top-five unit the last two years as well – has opted out of the last two recruiting cycles despite drawing significant interest. But with stable, straightforward ownership and an already young top quarterback, Chicago has plenty of options to trade Johnson. The 37-year-old is a master at creating a system that allows his signal caller to operate within the structure and benefit from easy looks, which may be exactly what Williams needs to get back on track. He could also be something of a best-of-both-worlds candidate, as he’s well-versed in Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes’ approach to building a winning culture. Expect Johnson to be the leading name in the search initially.

Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator

If the Bears are looking for someone who can capitalize on their quarterback’s strong playing talent, Brady should be on the short list. The 35-year-old’s promotion to offensive coordinator midway through last season was a boon for Josh Allen, who led the league’s third-best offense this year despite a rotating receiving corps and injuries to key teammates. Brady has also proven to be extremely adaptable, emphasizing the run game when necessary and taking advantage of favorable matchups.

Todd Monken, offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens

Like Brady, Monken has nurtured 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-place finish this season. Unlike Brady – and many others on this list – Monken has plenty of experience at 58 years old, although his only head coaching job was at Southern Miss from 2013-15. If there is a role model in this year’s top offense, he would certainly support Williams with a strong running game and an approach that gets the ball to receivers in space.

Kellen Moore, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

His guidance has brought out the best in Dak Prescott and now Jalen Hurts. Now, a few years after he first emerged as a hot name, the 36-year-old is once again considered a strong contender. Moore, a former NFL quarterback, might do more to relate to Williams than many of his peers, and his detail-oriented process has been praised by his peers. He’s also not afraid to capitalize on his team’s strength, as the Eagles have the best rushing attack in the league thanks to Saquon Barkley.

Liam Coen, offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This would undoubtedly be a significant jump for the 39-year-old, who is in just his second year 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 overcome a series of key injuries, should earn him interviews. Coen could be particularly attractive because of his use of movement, which could help enliven a stale offense.

Aaron Glenn, Lions defensive coordinator

He won’t have the same hype as Johnson, but Glenn is still a key figure in the Lions’ rise. Despite the loss of Pro Bowl defensive end Aidan Hutchinson due to a broken fibula and tibia, Detroit’s defense ranks fourth in points allowed this season. Glenn could help reshape the culture in Chicago, although bringing the right offensive coordinator on board would be a crucial step.

Bill Belichick, former coach of the New England Patriots

You have to at least consider it, right? Belichick will once again top the coaching search season, and any team opting for a fresh start would surely see at least some benefit in handing the reins to the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach. But it might take giving Belichick a significant amount of control to entice him, and the Bears aren’t prepared to simply let the coach run the whole show.

Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator

Not only would signing Flores give the Bears one of the league’s most respected defensive players, it would also be a significant blow for a division rival. Flores already has head coaching experience with the Miami Dolphins, but that could be detrimental to him given Tua Tagovailoa’s critical comments about the tone he set for the team. His racial discrimination lawsuit against the league could also play a big role.

Mike Vrabel, agent for the Cleveland Browns and former head coach of the Tennessee Titans

Tough, smart football that allows 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 sought-after options on the market this offseason. He could provide plenty of support for Williams with a powerful running game and strong defense, but he could be attracted to other options that give him more control in personnel matters.

Thomas Brown, Bears interim head coach

Interim coaches typically have a great chance of transitioning to a full-time position, but Brown has several factors working in his favor. After Brown was installed as offensive coordinator, Williams has shown a noticeable spark and helped streamline the offense. On the whole, the players appear to have responded to his guidance and direction, and the support he has been able to garner is hard to deny. Brown doesn’t have a full season of experience as a player, but his results could speak for themselves if he can continue to elevate this team.

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