The Chicago Bears are about to embark on another head coaching hunt over the next several weeks. Matt Eberflus is out, having finished with the third-worst winning percentage in franchise history. Since taking over in 2011, George McCaskey has hired three of the six head coaches with the worst winning percentage. That should help you understand why there is widespread skepticism among fans and the media that the organization can get this right. There is monumental pressure.
The list of available names seems like a strong one. Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson appears to be the hottest name and is on the Bears’ list. Most feel former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is right there with him at the top. Vrabel made the playoffs three times in six years there and went to an AFC championship. The feeling is he has the toughness and alpha personality needed to handle a city like Chicago. However, there is one big problem. Rich Cimini of ESPN discussed it on his Flight Deck podcast when talking about Vrabel and the New York Jets job.
This revelation may end the Chicago Bears’ chances.
It isn’t a surprise Vrabel is paying close attention to the GM situation wherever he goes. He likely still holds former Titans GM Jon Robinson responsible for costing him his job in Tennessee. Robinson not only had some ugly drafts towards the end of his tenure there but also traded away star wide receiver A.J. Brown. That was something Vrabel vehemently protested. Tennessee then brought in Ran Carthon as a replacement, and it was evident he wanted to go his own way at head coach. So, one can understand why Vrabel may not be interested in joining an organization unless he has confidence in their GM situation.
If Cimini is correct, it lowers the chances of him coming to the Chicago Bears. Kevin Warren made clear this week that GM Ryan Poles will remain in charge moving forward. Vrabel has no ties to Poles and has no reason to think he’s on steady ground after three straight losing seasons. Unless the Bears are willing to change their minds and bring in somebody the coach trusts, this doesn’t seem like a hire with a high probability of happening.
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