One thing we know about the Chicago Bears is that if and when they conduct a head coaching search, it will involve some unexpected names. Most of the time, they aren’t people who should be getting interviews. Looking at you, Mr. Trestman. That said, Matt Eberflus is on the hot seat. Everybody knows this. He’s 4-8 with a lot of momentum pushing in the direction of him getting fired. Only a string of victories down the stretch can change that.
Presuming that doesn’t happen, team president Kevin Warren probably has some possible names in mind for replacements. We already know the popular ones like Jim Harbaugh, Ben Johnson, Kellen Moore, and Eric Bieniemy. However, history says the hottest names aren’t always the most qualified. So here are ones that may get interviews that fans should watch for.
The Chicago Bears need to at least talk to these guys.
Brian Schottenheimer (Cowboys OC)
The late Marty Schottenheimer was one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, winning 200 games across his career. So it’s a surprise his son hasn’t gotten an opportunity to run his own team by now. Brian has built a solid reputation as a coordinator going back to 2006. He helped lead the Jets to back-to-back AFC championship games. He had a top-10 scoring unit all three years in Seattle. Now he’s helping guide the #1 offense in the NFL this season with Dallas. Football has long been a legacy sport. Coaching is in Schottenheimer’s blood. Maybe it’s time for his shot.
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Wes Phillips (Vikings OC)
Speaking of generational options, Phillips’ goes even further back. His grandfather was Houston Oilers icon, Bum Phillips. His father is Wade, one of the greatest defensive coordinators in NFL history. Some of the best have groomed this guy, and he’s no slouch himself. He had success in Washington and Los Angeles as a tight ends coach, winning a Super Bowl in 2021 with the Rams. Now, he’s working under Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota, where he delivered a top-10 unit in his first year. The offense is still productive despite losing Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson to injuries.
Harold Goodwin (Buccaneers AHC)
It is honestly stunning nobody has given Goodwin a genuine look. Success seems to follow the guy everywhere. He was an assistant offensive line coach on the Chicago Bears’ 2006 Super Bowl team. He became the offensive coordinator in Arizona, where they finished top-10 in 2015 and 2016, reaching the AFC championship. Last but not least, he landed in Tampa Bay as their run game coordinator and resurrected the career of Leonard Fournette, who helped carry the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title in 2020. If anybody is long overdue for an opportunity, it’s him.
Kalen DeBoer (Washington head coach)
Two qualities are desired in a head coach these days. They must win games and be able to develop a quarterback. DeBoer has done nothing but win with three different programs in college, going 103-11. His Huskies team is now in the College Football Playoff. At Fresno State, he turned Jake Haener into an eventual 4th round pick. Now he has Michael Penix Jr., once considered an injury-prone lost cause, knocking on the door of the 1st round next spring. He’s never worked at the NFL level, which is a concern. Still, nobody can argue the guy gets results.
Jerod Mayo (Patriots ILBs coach)
Buzz has steadily built over the past few years around Mayo. The former inside linebacker was renowned for his leadership as a player with the New England Patriots. Since retiring, he’s been building a case to run his own team. Many believe he is the heir apparent to Bill Belichick. Patriots assistants have a bad habit of flopping as coaches elsewhere, but Mayo could be an exception. He has similar qualities to Mike Vrabel. Leadership was natural to him even before he got into coaching. While the Bears may wish to avoid another defensive guy, leaders are leaders.
