The Chicago Bears’ 2024 season has not gone as envisioned.
Heading into Week 15 with a disappointing 4-9 record and carrying the weight of a seven-game losing streak, the team hit rock bottom with a crushing defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday.
Disheartened fans have already shifted their focus to the possibilities of next season.
Amidst this turmoil, the Bears are reportedly preparing to make significant moves during the offseason.
With both head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron fired, the team faces a critical opportunity to reshape its leadership.
According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, President and CEO Kevin Warren has the authority to spend whatever it takes to secure the right candidates.
Two team sources confirmed that Warren is empowered to “write a blank check” to secure top-tier coaching talent.
This includes not only hiring a new head coach but also assembling a high-caliber assistant coaching staff.
The search will be spearheaded by Warren in collaboration with general manager Ryan Poles, who holds the ultimate authority on the hire. However, Warren emphasized his active involvement in the process.
“Ryan is the general manager,” Warren said. “He’s head of football operations, so he would have the final say if it ever got to that point. But I’m confident that we will work through it.
“The good thing about it is so long as we keep the center of our decisions what’s in the best interest of the Chicago Bears, our players, as we go forward it will become clear as far as who is the person who should lead this franchise from a football standpoint and a coaching standpoint.”
The Bears are poised to be one of the most attractive destinations in the upcoming head coaching market. Beyond their financial readiness to invest in a top-tier staff, Chicago boasts other appealing assets.
Poles has laid a strong foundation, positioning the team to compete in 2025. Adding to the allure is the presence of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who, with proper development, has the potential to emerge as one of the NFL’s elite QBs.
Speculation is already swirling about who might take the reins in Chicago.
According to reports, the Bears are targeting an offensive-minded head coach to maximize Williams’ potential. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is widely regarded as the frontrunner.
Johnson, one of the most sought-after coaching candidates in recent years, has demonstrated an exceptional ability to craft offensive systems tailored to his quarterbacks.
Other potential candidates include Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Buffalo offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Despite being a legacy franchise, the Bears do have a nasty reputation of being “cheap.”
However, if these new reports are true, Chicago ownership is now ready to do whatever it takes to get the right coach in place no matter what the financial hurdles might be.
What are your thoughts on the report? … At the end of the day, who will be the next head coach of the Bears???
