As the Chicago Bears march toward a critical 2025 season, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads. The team is still searching for the stability and success that has long eluded it, and the search for a new head coach could be one of the most important decisions in its recent history. The Bears have made the decision to part ways with their current head coach, and now, a number of candidates are in the mix to become the next leader of the storied franchise.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the latest updates on the Bears’ head coach search, tracking the candidates under consideration, from established NFL veterans to emerging college coaches. As Chicago looks to revamp its coaching staff and build a championship-contending team, the future of the franchise is at stake. Who will the Bears turn to?
### The State of the Bears: A Franchise in Transition
The Chicago Bears are no strangers to turmoil and transition. Despite boasting a passionate fanbase and a rich history that includes nine championships, the team has struggled to find sustained success in the modern era. The Bears have cycled through multiple head coaches and quarterback changes in recent years, with no clear path toward a return to the postseason or a deep playoff run. The 2024 season ended with another disappointing record, and ownership and management have made it clear that a change at the top is necessary.
The biggest priority for the next head coach will be to harness the potential of quarterback **Justin Fields**, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has not yet been able to consistently perform at a high level. The next coach will need to have a plan for Fields’ development and work within the team’s long-term vision. In addition, with a young roster and a decent amount of cap space, the next head coach will need to help build a balanced, competitive team.
### The Interview Process: Tracking the Names
As the Bears embark on their search for the next head coach, several prominent candidates have already been linked to the job. Below, we track the key names that have emerged, from NFL veterans with championship pedigrees to exciting college coaches with high upside.
#### 1. **Mike McCarthy (Dallas Cowboys Head Coach)**
One of the first names to surface in the Bears’ head coaching search was **Mike McCarthy**, the current head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. McCarthy, who led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl XLV title, has long been a respected figure in the NFL coaching community. After a turbulent few years following his departure from Green Bay, McCarthy has enjoyed renewed success in Dallas, transforming the Cowboys into perennial contenders.
McCarthy’s ability to work with elite quarterbacks has drawn attention, and his relationship with former Packers quarterback **Aaron Rodgers** was one of the most productive in NFL history. For the Bears, McCarthy could bring the expertise needed to take Justin Fields’ development to the next level. His experience with offenses, particularly in a West Coast-style system, could provide the stability and structure that Chicago needs.
However, some have questioned McCarthy’s fit in a rebuilding environment. His coaching style is often considered more traditional, and he may not have the modern offensive creativity that some other candidates possess. Still, McCarthy’s resume and playoff pedigree make him a compelling option for a team desperate to win now.
#### 2. **Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame Head Coach)**
A fresh name that has gained traction in the Bears’ coaching search is **Marcus Freeman**, the head coach at Notre Dame. Freeman, who took over at Notre Dame in 2021, has quickly turned heads with his leadership and defensive acumen. His ability to recruit top talent, along with his strong defensive background, could make him a natural fit for the Bears, who have long prided themselves on their defensive identity.
Freeman is a young, dynamic coach who has shown a natural ability to relate to players, especially in terms of recruiting and developing young talent. While his tenure at Notre Dame has been marked by both highs and lows, Freeman has the potential to grow into a top-tier NFL head coach. He has a modern approach to coaching that could resonate well with the Bears’ young roster, particularly on defense.
One of the key reasons Freeman is a viable candidate for the Bears is his experience working with defensive units, an area where the Bears have a long-standing tradition of excellence. A defensive-minded head coach could help the Bears return to their roots, while also developing Justin Fields into a star quarterback.
#### 3. **Shane Steichen (Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Coordinator)**
**Shane Steichen**, the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, is one of the hottest names in the coaching carousel for 2025. After helping lead the Eagles to an NFC Championship and Super Bowl berth in 2023, Steichen has earned a reputation as one of the top offensive minds in the NFL. Steichen played a crucial role in the development of **Jalen Hurts**, helping him evolve into an MVP-caliber quarterback, which makes him an intriguing choice for the Bears, given their need to maximize Fields’ potential.
Steichen’s system is designed to get the most out of dual-threat quarterbacks, and he has a history of adapting his offense to fit the strengths of his players. The prospect of Steichen working with Fields, one of the most gifted young quarterbacks in the league, is enticing. His ability to design a creative and versatile offensive scheme could be the key to unlocking Fields’ full potential.
However, there are concerns about whether Steichen, who is still relatively young and inexperienced as a head coach, would be ready for the challenge of leading a team like the Bears. While his offensive expertise is undeniable, Steichen’s ability to manage an entire team, especially a franchise in need of rebuilding, will be scrutinized.
#### 4. **Jim Harbaugh (Michigan Head Coach)**
Another big-name candidate that has surfaced is **Jim Harbaugh**, the current head coach at Michigan. Harbaugh is one of the most well-known and successful college coaches of the last decade, with a track record that includes significant success at both Stanford and Michigan. Known for his fiery personality and no-nonsense approach, Harbaugh has the pedigree and the coaching acumen to succeed at the NFL level.
Harbaugh’s experience with developing quarterbacks is a key selling point for the Bears. He helped **Andrew Luck** become the number-one overall pick in the NFL Draft, and he has worked with several quarterbacks at Michigan who have gone on to NFL success. His ability to build competitive teams and instill discipline would be attractive to the Bears, who need structure and accountability.
However, Harbaugh’s relationship with ownership and management in the NFL is often seen as contentious, which could make a potential hire difficult. His hard-charging style might not fit every locker room, especially one as young and impressionable as Chicago’s.
#### 5. **Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator)**
**Ben Johnson**, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has quickly earned recognition for his innovative approach to offense. Under Johnson’s guidance, the Lions have developed one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL, with a particular emphasis on creativity, quick tempo, and adaptability.
Johnson’s ability to mold offensive schemes around the strengths of his players has made him a rising star in the NFL coaching ranks. Given the Bears’ need for offensive innovation, especially for a quarterback like Justin Fields, Johnson’s background in creating modern, high-powered offenses could make him a perfect fit.
The primary challenge for the Bears in hiring Johnson would be the fact that he’s still relatively unproven as a head coach. While his offensive acumen is apparent, there are questions about whether he can manage a team and execute everything required of a head coach. Still, his potential makes him an intriguing choice for Chicago’s front office.
### Conclusion: Who Will the Bears Choose?
As the Bears’ search for a new head coach continues, there’s no shortage of strong candidates vying for the job. From experienced NFL coaches like Mike McCarthy to rising stars like Marcus Freeman and Ben Johnson, Chicago has options at both the professional and collegiate levels.
For the Bears, this decision is crucial. The next head coach will not only need to manage a team in transition but also develop Justin Fields into a true franchise quarterback. Whether the Bears go with an experienced NFL mind or a promising college coach, their decision will have long-lasting implications for the future of the franchise.
The coaching search may still be ongoing, but one thing is clear: the Bears are committed to building a team that can compete for championships in the years to come. As more names are interviewed and the process unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see who will ultimately lead this team into a new era of success.
