The camps are split right now. Lots of Chicago Bears fans want to move on from Justin Fields. It’s been three years. He isn’t improving. Hit the reset button in the draft next off-season. Others believe Fields has shown considerable growth, marked by his two outstanding games against Denver and Washington. He’s still young and isn’t a lost cause yet. Most agree coaching remains a big problem with this team. Head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy haven’t done a great job developing him.
What if the organization still holds out hope that Fields is salvageable? Maybe they think the right coach can finally help him blossom. In such cases, the likeliest approach is hiring somebody with previous experience. Were the Bears to take this approach, three names stand out as realistic options who could do the job.
These coaches might rescue Justin Fields if given a shot.
Jim Harbaugh
This probably isn’t the name a lot of people want to hear. Yet facts are facts. Harbaugh was responsible for arguably the greatest QB reclamation project of the past 20 years. Alex Smith, a former #1 overall pick, was a lost cause in San Francisco. He’d been injured, benched, and gone through multiple head coaches and offensive coordinators by the time Harbaugh arrived in 2011. His career passer rating was 72.1 at the time. Harbaugh improved that to 95.1 in their two years together, with Smith throwing 30 TDs and only 10 INTs.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Ryan Day
After failing to win the starting job in Georgia, Justin Fields transferred to Ohio State, where Day oversaw his development into a superstar. The quarterback was dynamic and lethal in that offensive system, and the coach knew how to work to his strengths. Day has been tied to NFL rumors for years. Nobody has given him a legitimate opportunity yet. He also may not want to leave a cushy gig in Columbus. However, the chance to reunite with Fields and while taking over a young and improving roster may appeal to him.
Ron Rivera
People will cry about this idea because Rivera is a “defensive” guy. While true, they conveniently ignore one inescapable fact. This is also the coach who transformed Cam Newton into a league MVP. The former Panthers quarterback shares a lot in common with Fields regarding playing style. He’s also done good work with Sam Howell in Washington. His track record says he will understand what must be done to get Fields pointed in the right direction. His big question is whether the new Commanders ownership decides to clean house.
