Next Chicago Bears coach? Potential candidates after Eberflus’ firing – NBC Chicago

The Chicago Bears made history by firing head coach Matt Eberflus with five games remaining in the regular season, and the search for their next leader will soon begin.

The Bears went to Eberflus with a defensive coach after firing Matt Nagy, but this time the team could be looking for a head coach best suited to help quarterback Caleb Williams develop.

With that in mind, here are some prospects the Bears could potentially look for this coming offseason.

Bears interim coach Thomas Brown

Brown’s rise cannot be discounted, and if he can help the Bears get to a stronger finish, he will certainly find a role as the team’s next head coach.

Brown has risen from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator and head coach in a span of 10 months. His offensive schemes are credited with making Williams feel more comfortable on offense, and the team has kept games tight even as their defense struggled against three consecutive NFC North opponents.

Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady

Brady has put in a strong performance as an offensive guru. He helped Joe Burrows and the LSU Tigers to a national championship and won the Broyles Award as the top assistant coach in college football. He was also largely successful with the Bills, working well with quarterback Josh Allen and helping balance their offense.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson

Johnson was a candidate for multiple NFL head coaching jobs last season before returning to Detroit, and he has continued to shine, helping lead Jared Goff’s career renaissance and leading an incredible offense of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery out of the backfield.

His versatility was on full display against the Bears, and he may be the most sought-after coach in this year’s hiring cycle.

Los Angeles is suing defensive coordinator Jesse Minter

Minter joined head coach Jim Harbaugh from Michigan after winning a national title, and he has helped the Chargers become one of the league’s most surprising defensive lines this season.

Minter should be paired with a strong offensive coordinator, which could perhaps mean the return of Brown to the Bears’ staff, or possibly lock in a coach in an assistant role on another staff, such as Commanders running back game coordinator Brian Johnson or passing Derrick Ansley. , who holds the same job with the Packers.

Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore

Moore has bounced around the NFL a bit in recent years, spending time with the Cowboys and Chargers before really finding his groove for the Eagles this season. After a slow start, the Eagles’ offense has been one of the best in the league, and his work with Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott will undoubtedly contribute to his candidacy as a coach in the league.

Drew Petzing, the offensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals

Petzing’s performance working with Kyler Murray in Arizona was positively reviewed in NFL circles. He has a wealth of experience in various roles on the offensive end of the coaching staff, and with Arizona looking to clinch a spot in the playoffs, he could be an attractive candidate to work with Williams.

Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel

Vrabel currently works as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns, but previously spent six seasons with the Titans, leading them to three straight playoff appearances and two division titles.

He’s a defensive coach, but his success with the Titans and the respect he earns from players would certainly factor into the Bears’ thought process if they decide to put an experienced head coach at the helm.