Next coach of the Chicago Bears? Potential Candidates After Eberflus’ Firing – NBC Chicago

The Chicago Bears made history by firing head coach Matt Eberflus with five games left in the regular season, and the search for their next leader will soon begin.

The Bears chose a defensive-minded coach in Eberflus after firing Matt Nagy, but this time the team may be looking for a head coach best suited to help quarterback Caleb Williams develop.

With that in mind, here are a few prospects the Bears could potentially look for in the upcoming offseason.

Bears interim coach Thomas Brown

Brown’s rise cannot be dismissed, and if he can help the Bears finish stronger, he will certainly be considered as the team’s next head coach.

Brown was promoted from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator to head coach in 10 months. His offensive schemes are credited with helping Williams feel more comfortable on offense, and the team kept games close even as the defense struggled against three straight NFC North opponents.

Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady

Brady had a strong career as an offensive guru, helping Joe Burrows and the LSU Tigers to a national championship and winning the Broyles Award as the top assistant coach in college football. He was also largely successful with the Bills, working well with quarterback Josh Allen and helping balance their offense.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson

Johnson was a candidate for multiple NFL head coaching jobs last season before returning to Detroit, and he has continued to shine, helping with the career renaissance of Jared Goff and an incredible offense from Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery led from the backfield.

His versatility was on full display against the Bears and he may be the most sought-after coach in this year’s hiring cycle.

Los Angeles files charges against defensive coordinator Jesse Minter

Minter came with head coach Jim Harbaugh from Michigan after winning a national title, and he has helped the Chargers become one of the league’s most surprising defenses this season.

Minter would need to be paired with a strong offensive coordinator, which could perhaps mean the return of Brown to the Bears’ staff or possibly hiring a coach for an assistant role on another staff, such as Commanders passing game coordinator Brian Johnson or Derrick Ansley, the holds the same job with the Packers.

Kellen Moore, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

Moore has bounced around the NFL a bit in recent years, spending time with the Cowboys and Chargers before really finding his rhythm with the Eagles this season. After a slow start, the Eagles’ offense has been one of the best in the league, and his work with Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott will undoubtedly help boost his candidacy as a coach in the league.

Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing

Petzing’s performance working with Kyler Murray in Arizona was viewed positively in NFL circles. He has extensive experience in various roles on the offensive side of the coaching staff, and with Arizona threatening to secure a playoff spot, he could be an attractive candidate to work with Williams.

Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel

Vrabel currently works as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns, but previously spent six seasons with the Titans, leading them to three straight playoff appearances and two division titles.

He is a defense-oriented coach, but his success with the Titans and the respect he has earned from the players would certainly factor into the Bears’ thought process if they decide to put an experienced head coach at the helm.