The Chicago Bears made a decisive move to part ways with head coach Matt Eberflus following their Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions.
As the historic franchise looks to chart a new course, speculation is swirling about who might take the reins.
Among the potential candidates, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has been highlighted as a name to watch, according to FOX Sports insider Peter Schrager.
During a segment on FOX NFL Kickoff, Schrager emphasized the Bears’ focus on securing a “leader of men” to guide the team into a new era.
“Another name that you haven’t heard anywhere else that I would keep your eye on – Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman,” Schrager said.
“Kevin Warren, former Big Ten commissioner, is now running the Bears as the president. Familiar with the college game. They’re looking for a ‘leader of men’ type coach. Freeman a name to watch early on in that process.”
While prominent NFL coordinators such as the Detroit Lions’ Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn have been mentioned as possible fits, Schrager’s comments suggest the Bears might prioritize leadership qualities over purely schematic expertise.
This aligns with the team’s organizational vision under Warren, who has strong ties to the collegiate sports landscape.
Freeman, fresh off Notre Dame’s 49-35 victory over USC that secured a spot in the College Football Playoff, was asked about a potential future in the NFL. His response reflected a commitment to staying present amid uncertainty.
“As for me, I never even…I try not to waste time thinking about an uncertain future,” Freeman said. “I tell our players all the time, your future is uncertain.
“So, I try not to waste time thinking about things that aren’t in the moment. And so, I haven’t spent any time really thinking about what the future will provide.”
For now, Freeman’s attention remains on Notre Dame’s playoff aspirations and the busy recruiting season ahead.
Whether his name continues to surface in connection with the Bears’ vacancy will likely depend on the progression of Chicago’s search, which is expected to extend well into the college football postseason.
The Bears’ opening is poised to attract significant interest, especially since they have the talented – yet inconsistent – Caleb Williams under center.
While some believe this will make the role appealing to offensive-minded candidates such as Johnson and Washington OC Kliff Kingsbury, the team’s emphasis on leadership suggests a broader scope of consideration.
As Freeman navigates Notre Dame’s playoff run, his potential candidacy for the Bears job remains an intriguing storyline.
Opinions on Freeman as a coach vary greatly.
Players love him and he’s shown an excellent ability to recruit and lead. However, his in-game strategy and adjustments are often criticized.
Having said that, Freeman’s Irish have a legitimate chance to win the national championship this season.
In many ways, Notre Dame isn’t getting nearly enough attention or credit for just how dangerous they are.
If Freeman is indeed able to lead the Irish to a national title, that would surely make him even more attractive for not just the Bears opening, but also the Ohio State (potential) opening as well.
What are your thoughts on Freeman as a coach? … Should the Bears target him???
