Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty..
- Rumors are swirling about the Bears potentially moving on from current head coach Matt Eberflus after this season. Top candidates include Jim Harbaugh, Eric Bieniemy, and Ben Johnson.
- Jim Harbaugh has had success turning programs around and reportedly has interest in the Bears job, but may want to install a 3-4 defense which doesn’t fit the Bears’ current personnel.
- Eric Bieniemy has done great work with the Chiefs and made Commanders rookie QB Sam Howell look good this year. Could be a good fit to develop Justin Fields.
- Ben Johnson has helped the Lions exceed expectations and get strong play out of Jared Goff. But there are questions if he would be a one-trick pony or the right long-term solution.
- The writer isn’t fully convinced Eberflus should be fired since the defense has improved, but also doesn’t see him as the long-term answer as a first-time head coach.
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Hey there, fellow Bears Fans!
The future of my beloved Chicago Bears has been filled with questions in recent weeks as rumors swirl about potential coaching changes coming after the 2023 season. As a diehard fan who keeps it real, I have plenty of thoughts on these Chicago Bears rumors and the top candidates like Jim Harbaugh, Eric Bieniemy, and even Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Current Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus Seat Getting Hot
While the Bears defense has improved nicely since the Green Bay debacle early in 2023 under head coach Matt Eberflus, it is fair to wonder if he is the long-term answer in Chicago. As a first-time head coach trying to rebuild this proud Bears franchise, Eberflus has not inspired much confidence so far in his brief Bears coaching tenure.
Sure, additions like pass rusher Trevis Gipson have helped the defense look much more ferocious late in 2023. But is that enough to keep Eberflus around for 2024 and beyond? I have my doubts, and it seems like the Bears front office led by GM Ryan Poles does too. The Chicago Bears coaching rumors are sure to heat up as soon as Black Monday 2023 rolls around.
Jim Harbaugh Bears Rumors Not Going Away
Of all the Chicago Bears head coach candidates for 2024, University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is easily the biggest household name thanks to his NFL pedigree. After achieving huge success rebuilding the Wolverines, the former Bears quarterback could look to return to Chicago as a coaching savior.
Despite cheating allegations that got him suspended for 2 games in 2023, Jim Harbaugh has Michigan set to compete for a national championship this year. His reputation for turning programs around is unmatched. However, his preferred 3-4 defensive scheme doesn’t mesh well with the Bears’ current defensive personnel. If Harbaugh landed in Chicago, the Bears defense would require some significant schematic changes.
Still, as a Bears fan I would be thrilled to see a Chicago Bears legend like Jim Harbaugh roaming the sidelines at Soldier Field. And reports indicate Harbaugh does have interest in returning to the NFL ranks with the Monsters of the Midway in 2024.
Eric Bieniemy Given Justin Fields Bears Future Thought
Of all the hot Chicago Bears coaching candidates for 2024, none seem like a better fit than Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. After years of working under Andy Reid and helping Patrick Mahomes become an NFL icon, Bieniemy took his talents to the Washington Commanders in 2023. His immediate success with rookie QB Sam Howell offers a glimpse at the magic Bieniemy could work grooming Bears franchise QB Justin Fields.
Fields development remains the top priority for whoever becomes the next Chicago Bears head coach. Bieniemy has received strong head coach consideration in recent years for good reason. His pedigree coaching elite offenses and quarterbacks would energize Bears fans. After the mess Matt Nagy made, the Bears must get the next coaching hire right to get Fields back on track.
In an ideal world, the Bears would manage to steal Bieniemy away from Washington after just one year as offensive coordinator. HisAC Chiefs-esque offensive system would perfectly accentuate Justin Fields’ elite arm strength and mobility. However, Bieniemy may also be a top head coach candidate for the Commanders if they move on from Ron Rivera.
Lions OC Ben Johnson Intriguing Bears Coaching Candidate
While big names like Harbaugh and Bieniemy dominate most Chicago Bears coaching rumors, up-and-coming Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson cannot be ignored. Against all odds, he has managed to turn Jared Goff into a solid starting NFL quarterback leading an explosive, multi-dimensional Lions offense. The talent he could unlock with Justin Fields and the Bears offensive weapons is tantalizing.
Additionally, the Lions success this season after years of floundering shows Johnson knows how to lay the foundation for winning football. He has received interest as a head coach candidate from several teams heading into 2024. I would definitely not be upset if the Bears made Johnson the face of the franchise despite being a division rival.
Matt Eberflus Bears Defense Coming Around
As easy as it may be to get caught up in juicy Chicago Bears rumors about splashy new coaches for 2024, current head coach Matt Eberflus does deserve some credit. The Bears defense has exceeded expectations given all the personnel challenges Eberflus dealt with early in his tenure.
New defensive coordinator Alan Williams has the Bears swarming like the Monsters of the Midway should. Roquan Smith is playing at an All-Pro level when healthy, while young secondary pieces like Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker give me hope for the future. Not to mention mainstay stars like Robert Quinn and Eddie Jackson returning to form.
Perhaps firing Eberflus would be premature. He has the locker room’s support. Maybe adding an innovative new offensive coordinator would be enough for the Bears current staff to lead a turnaround. Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles have undoubtedly made mistakes, but they’ve also dealt with some challenging circumstances and bad injury luck.
The Verdict
As 2023 mercifully comes to a close, Bears fans seem to be unanimous in wanting some type of big change. If it must be at head coach, then Eric Bieniemy or Jim Harbaugh would be ideal replacements. However, finding an innovative play-caller to maximize Fields’ upside may be the priority whoever ends up coaching the 2024 Bears.
As a diehard fan who keeps is real, I still hold a shred of hope that the Bears strong finish to 2023 could convince ownership to stay the course with Eberflus and set him up for success by getting him more weapons this offseason. But either way, the Bears cannot waste another year of Justin Fields’ career toiling in mediocrity. The McCaskeys must make the Chicago Bears first-rate again in 2024 and beyond!
Bear Down Bears fans! and as always… PEACE!
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