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    • Ben Johnson to replace Matt Eberflus?
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    Ben Johnson to replace Matt Eberflus?

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    The Chicago Bears’ firing of Matt Eberflus on Friday after a Thanksgiving meltdown marked a new chapter for the franchise, which had never fired a head coach earlier in the season during its 105-year history.

    But could this unprecedented move actually be a sign for coaching candidates of how promising this opening is?

    General manager Ryan Poles said in August that while he expected the Bears to contend for the playoffs and the Super Bowl in any given year, his main goal for the organization was growth. Instead, Eberflus’ team floundered to a 4-8 mark in his third year at the helm, with rampant missteps and an outdated offense that led to the firing of coordinator Shane Waldron after nine games, which was expected to be a productive rookie year for No. 1 would become. choose Caleb Williams.

    With the quarterback struggling through much of his rookie season, Chicago is now faced with the question of who it will entrust to lead the passer’s development. While that draft could point the Bears to an offensive coach, the Bears could also turn to someone who could help establish a winning culture for a franchise that has failed to make the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 2005-06.

    Here are nine possible options for the Bears:

    Bears coaching candidates to replace Matt Eberflus

    Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator

    Is this finally the opening that would convince Johnson to take the plunge? The architect of the league’s highest-scoring offense — as well as a top-five unit the past two years — has opted out of the past two hiring cycles despite significant interest. But with stable, hands-off ownership and a top young quarterback already in the fold, Chicago has plenty to sell Johnson with. The 37-year-old is a master at creating a system that allows the signal-caller to operate within the structure and take advantage of simple looks, which may be exactly what Williams needs to get back on track. He could also be a bit of a best-of-both-worlds candidate, as he is well-schooled in Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes’ approach to building a winning culture. Expect Johnson to be the leading name in the search early on.

    Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator

    If the Bears want someone who can utilize their quarterback’s distinct playmaking talent, Brady should be on the short list. The 35-year-old’s ascension to offensive coordinator midway through last season has been a boon for Josh Allen, who has managed the league’s third-ranked team this year despite a inconsistent receiving corps and injuries to key teammates. Brady has also proven to be very adaptable, emphasizing the run game when necessary and taking advantage of favorable matchups.

    Todd Monken, offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens

    Like Brady, Monken has taken one of the league’s top talents to the next level, helping Lamar Jackson win his second NFL MVP last year while keeping him on track for a possible third this season. Unlike Brady – and many others on this list – Monken has a lot of experience at age 58, although his only head coaching gig was at Southern Miss from 2013 to 2015. If this year’s top-ranked offense were a model, he would certainly back Williams with a strong play and an approach that gets the ball to receivers in space.

    Kellen Moore, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

    His tutelage has brought out the best of Dak Prescott and now Jalen Hurts. Now the 36-year-old is proving to be a strong contender again, a few years after he first emerged as a popular name. Moore, a former NFL quarterback, could relate to Williams more than many of his peers, and his detail-oriented process has been praised by his peers. He also isn’t afraid to leverage his team’s strength, as the Eagles boast the league’s fastest offense thanks to Saquon Barkley.

    Liam Coen, offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    This would undoubtedly be a significant step forward for the 39-year-old, who is in only his second year as an NFL offensive coordinator after holding the same title for the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. But his innovative approach this season with the Buccaneers, who have persevered despite a series of key injuries, should earn him interviews. Coen could be particularly attractive given his use of movement, which could enhance an old offense.

    Aaron Glenn, Lions defensive coordinator

    He won’t carry the same level of hype as Johnson, but Glenn is nonetheless one of the most important figures in the Lions’ rise. Despite losing Pro Bowl defenseman Aidan Hutchinson to a broken fibula and tibia, Detroit’s defense ranks fourth in points allowed this season. Glenn could help restore the culture in Chicago, although bringing the right offensive coordinator on board would be a crucial step.

    Bill Belichick, former coach of the New England Patriots

    You should at least think about it, right? Belichick believes he can once again transcend the coaching season, and any team opting for a restart would certainly see at least some benefit in handing the reins to the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach. But it may be necessary to cede a significant amount of control to Belichick to entice him, and the Bears aren’t set up to simply let the coach run the entire show.

    Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores

    Hiring Flores would not only give the Bears one of the league’s most respected defensive play-callers, it would also be a significant blow to a division rival. Flores has previous head coaching experience with the Miami Dolphins, although that could work against him given Tua Tagovailoa’s critical comments about the tone he set for the team. His racial discrimination lawsuit against the league could also become major.

    Mike Vrabel, Cleveland Browns consultant and former Tennessee Titans head coach

    Tough, smart football that earns trips to the playoffs should be an easy sell in Chicago. Vrabel’s track record with the Titans should make him one of the most sought-after options on the market this season. He could provide Williams with plenty of support with a tough game and stout defense, but he could be attracted to other opportunities that give him more control over personnel matters.

    Thomas Brown, Bears interim head coach

    Interim coaches typically have long odds of transitioning to a full-time gig, but Brown has several factors working in his favor. Williams has shown a clear spark after Brown was named offensive coordinator and helped streamline the offense. On a broader scale, players appear to have responded to his guidance and leadership, and the buy-in he was able to achieve can be hard to ignore. Brown doesn’t have a full season of play-calling experience yet, but his results could speak for themselves if he can continue to improve this team.

    This story has been updated with new information.

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