Matt Nagy could be coaching his final game with the Bears tomorrow. If that’s the case, the focus will pivot to his replacement, and we’re already starting to hear some chatter about potential candidates. According to Albert Breer of SI.com, Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo would be in the mix if the Bears HC gig opens up.
Breer also acknowledges that Chicago has been connected to bigger names like Jim Harbaugh and Sean Payton, but he can’t envision the organization getting into a bidding war for either coach. Breer also notes that former Bears cornerback (and current Bills defensive coordinator) Leslie Frazier could be a logical option.
During their last HC search, the Bears were focused on adding “quarterback-developers.” However, that won’t necessarily be the case this time around. While the organization will obviously want to hear the candidates’ plans for QB Justin Fields, Breer believes the Bears are instead focused on hiring a “leader-of-men” coach.
Eberflus served as a linebackers coach for almost a decade with the Browns and Cowboys, but he finally got a shot at a DC gig in 2018. In Indy, the 51-year-old has been credited with establishing a culture built on hustle and discipline, and his defenses have mostly been up to the challenge. Eberflus’s defenses have consistently been ranked in the top-half of the NFL for their ability to stop the run, and the team has ranked top-10 in takeaways during each of his four seasons at the helm.
Mayo had a standout career with the Patriots, with the former 10th-overall pick earning two Pro Bowl nods and a Super Bowl ring during his eight seasons in New England. Mayo rejoined the organization as their linebackers coach in 2019. While New England is currently operating without a true defensive coordinator, Mayo (along with Steve Belichick) are assumed to be atop the defensive coaching depth chart.
Oh my god WE DON’T NEED A DEFENSIVE HEAD COACH!!! THAT SOLVES NOTHING!!
Your not aware that the last time Chicago played in a title game it was a defensive coach that took them there?
An NFL team has multiple coaches. The focus needs to be on hiring a good QB coach that can teach Fields the nuances of the NFL game and an offensive coordinator that can scheme to Fields strengths, both being on the same page as the head coach.
Isn’t that what a quarterbacks coach is for?
Come on Sam 4….and that was before me I’m just in my early 30s homes!!
O# or D# doesn’t matter. Your OC and DC really matter. To biuld up Fields they need a good OC and QB coach.
Lol, that’s the bears being the bears
Two words. Les Frazier.
As a Vikings fan I’m in favor of the Bears getting Frazier. Great coordinator but absolutely clueless head coach.
The Bears number 1 priority is developing Justin Fields, full stop. If they’re gonna hire a defensive head coach they better have a blank check available to hire the best offensive coordinator possible. They can not afford to get this wrong (but let’s be honest, they’re gonna get it wrong lol).
Before this decision is made they need to get rid of Pace. It all begins and ends with the personnel a coach is given. You can’t make chicken salad out of chicken s$%t.
I thought a defensive coach was a mistake until I read the “leader of men” quote. Agree with Emansk1, that they need a strong QB coach for Fields if they go the defensive minded head coach route.
Don’t let Pace hire the coach! He needs to go too
Somehow the Bears seem to get it wrong more often than right.
Too bad, the’re a great old franchise
Enough with the defensive head coaches! And don’t bother picking from the Belicheck tree. You finally got a quarterback worth training and keeping. Get a guy who can develop Fields, not ruin him. AND GET A GM WHO CAN GET TALENT. PACE SUCKS
TB12 developed just fine with a defensive coach. They should hire the best leader of players and coaches.
Same for PM with Dungy.
Josh Allen seems to be developing well, too.
Very true, but remember that Allen and Brady developed under the tutelage of Brian Daboll and Charlie Weis, respectively. Thus, if the Bears go for a defensive-minded HC, it is imperative they find a creative offensive coordinator to pair with him