With the Chicago Bears struggling through yet another challenging season, fans are once again calling for a change in leadership.
The Bears’ head coaching position has become a revolving door of hopes and disappointments over the years, from Marc Trestman and John Fox to Matt Nagy, and now Matt Eberflus.
As Chicago’s playoff hopes dim, the question of whether Eberflus will be replaced grows louder – and Bears fans have their sights set on one particular candidate: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Making matters worse for Bears fans is the fact that their interest in Johnson is certainly nothing new.
This is why the recent report of Johnson’s previous interest in Chicago has to sting.
“He was definitely looking at the Chicago job last year,” The MMQB’s Albert Breer recently reported. “There were some who said that was the one he wanted.”
Ultimately, Chicago chose to retain head coach Matt Eberflus, who entered this season with a 14-27 record over his first three years.
Johnson, known for masterminding one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, has been a hot commodity on the coaching market.
Last year, reports suggested he turned down head coaching interviews to wait for a more appealing opportunity.
Unfortunately for Bears fans hoping for a second swing at Johnson, it appears that ship may have already sailed.
“He’s going to be very careful,” ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported. “I don’t know that he desires to head in the division to go to a place that you’re talking about the dysfunction that has existed within that (Bears) organization.”
Schefter’s remarks underscore an uncomfortable truth for Bears fans: Chicago’s recent coaching hires have reflected poorly on the franchise.
The organization’s decision to stick with Eberflus this season has seemingly made them an even more unattractive destination – even for Johnson who previously was interested in the job.
Chicago’s reported commitment to Eberflus complicates the picture even further.
Brad Briggs of the Chicago Tribune reports that, with two years left on his contract after this season, Eberflus isn’t at significant risk of losing his job.
The Bears rarely fire coaches with multiple years left on their deals; the last exception was Marc Trestman, who was dismissed after a tumultuous second season marred by locker room turmoil.
Ironically, Trestman’s .406 career winning percentage still bests Eberflus’ current .333, with only two other coaches in franchise history – John Fox and Abe Gibron – posting worse records.
There are rumblings out of Chicago that Eberflus is losing the locker room. You also won’t find much support for him within the Bears fanbase.
In other words, the writing may be on the way for the troubled coach. Although as mentioned, it will probably take something drastic for ownership to fire him after this season.
If Schefter is correct, Ben Johnson’s reported interest in Chicago may be a thing of the past, which further complicates the situation.
What are your thoughts on Eberflus as a coach? … Would the Bears be better off pulling the plug on him after this season???