GM Ryan Poles was asked point blank if the Chicago Bears might consider trading for a head coach if they feel a true difference-maker is available. He didn’t flinch, confirming that the team would explore all avenues to get that hire right. It seems he wasn’t lying. A source informed SM that the Bears have reached out to three teams about the possible availability of their head coaches. One was Zac Taylor in Cincinnati, another was Mike McDaniel in Miami, and the last was Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland.
All three make sense. Rumors have persisted each coach is on shaky ground with their respective teams. Still, all three have proven offensive backgrounds. Taylor helped develop Joe Burrow, and the two reached a Super Bowl in 2021. McDaniel elevated the career of Tua Tagovailoa and got the Dolphins to the playoffs last season. Stefanski made the playoffs twice with the Browns with two different quarterbacks. He also has direct ties to team president Kevin Warren. The interest is easy to understand.
The Chicago Bears lose nothing by placing these calls.
If they get told no, it isn’t a big deal. Move on to the next options. However, if they get a team willing to listen, that opens up a path to a proven head coach. Trading for coaches has resulted in considerable success over the past 30 years. Bill Parcells, Sean Payton, and Bruce Arians all led teams to the playoffs. Arians, Jon Gruden, and Bill Belichick won Super Bowls. This method has worked several times in the past. It makes sense for the Chicago Bears to explore it. Based on recent updates, it doesn’t sound like any of the coaches will be available. Maybe that changes, but the simple effort of reaching out proves the organization is serious about getting the best possible man for the job.
