Last week, the Chicago Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus following a disastrous Thanksgiving Day loss to the Detroit Lions in front of a nationally televised audience. Since then, the Bears have promoted offensive coordinator Thomas Brown to the role of interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
However, the Bears search for a permanent coach has begun, with numerous names from around college football being rumored, including Notre Dame boss Marcus Freeman. At the time of Eberflus’ dismissal, the Bears were fourth in the NFC North with a 4-8 record and had lost six consecutive matches.
Who Is Being Rumored for the Bears’ Head Coaching Vacancy?
Currently, the rumored candidates for the head-coaching vacancy primarily feature current NFL coordinators (such as Lions OC Ben Johnson) and former head coaches (including Bill Belichick). However, there are also some interesting options being discussed from the college football level.
One of the most obvious options from the collegiate level is Notre Dame’s Freeman. This year, Freeman has been instrumental in the Fighting Irish holding an impressive 11-1 record.
As NFL Network’s Peter Schrager notes, the Bears are in search of a “leader of men type coach” and believe that Freeman is a name to watch. Known for his commitment to positive culture and team building, Freeman’s first press conference as head coach of the Fighting Irish began with him stating, “Number one, you have to be a leader of young men. You have to treat these guys the way I believe you have to treat young people.”
According to @PSchrags, the Bears fired Matt Eberflus Friday just minutes after his morning media session.
Also, Schrager has the latest on Jets veterans Aaron Rodgers and Tyron Smith.
Plus, snow warning in Buffalo tonight ❄️❄️ How will the conditions look for 49ers-Bills? pic.twitter.com/i1HN5ARiDt
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 1, 2024
With the Bears having a rookie quarterback and numerous young players on both sides of the ball, Freeman is definitely one to watch in the coming months.
Who Are Some Other Names From the College Level?
In addition to Freeman, football fans and analysts have been quick to highlight how USC head coach Lincoln Riley could be an option for the struggling Bears franchise. Throughout his college coaching career, Riley has played an important role in the development of numerous young quarterbacks, including Kyler Murray and current Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
During the 2021 season, Williams played under Riley at Oklahoma before both individuals took their talents to the Trojans football program a year later.
While at USC in 2022, Williams won the Heisman Trophy while playing in a Riley-led system that featured and focused on showcasing the many strengths of the young quarterback.
Finally, another name being rumored for the role is University of Washington coach Jedd Fisch. Though his Huskies are not setting the world on fire this season, Fisch has had a long coaching career, including valuable NFL experience. Previously, Fisch has had roles with the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, and Baltimore Ravens and has experience managing young quarterbacks through both his time in CFB and the NFL.
While it remains to be seen who steps into the Bears’ coaching vacancy, numerous interesting and experienced options from the college level are out there.