The Chicago Bears are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, with a passionate fanbase, a rich tradition, and a history that includes nine championships, including one Super Bowl victory in 1985. Yet, despite the team’s proud history, the Bears have struggled to find consistent success in recent decades. A central reason for that has been a revolving door of head coaches, with only a handful making significant impacts.
With the 2023 NFL season winding down and the Bears once again looking toward the future, the team could be on the verge of another coaching change. The future of head coach Matt Eberflus remains uncertain, and given the underwhelming performance of the team during his tenure, many are wondering who the Bears might target next. With so much at stake, Chicago will need a leader capable of getting the most out of the team’s young talent and reviving the culture of winning that defined the franchise in the past.
Here, we take a closer look at some of the best bets to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bears, analyzing their qualifications, potential fit, and how they could potentially transform the team.
### 1. **Ben Johnson (Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions)**
Ben Johnson has quickly risen through the coaching ranks as one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL. As the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Johnson has been credited with orchestrating a high-powered and dynamic offense that has turned heads across the league. Johnson’s ability to design a versatile, up-tempo offense with both creativity and efficiency could be exactly what the Bears need as they continue to develop quarterback Justin Fields and other young talents.
**Why Johnson?**
Johnson’s ability to maximize the potential of Jared Goff and create an offense that has been both explosive and efficient is impressive, especially considering Goff’s prior struggles in Los Angeles. Fields, a quarterback with similar mobility and talent as Goff, could benefit greatly from Johnson’s offensive schemes, which emphasize play-action, zone runs, and attacking downfield with multiple weapons. Johnson’s versatility in his approach could allow the Bears to build an offense that plays to Fields’ strengths, creating a more balanced, dynamic system.
Additionally, Johnson’s young age and fresh perspective could be a perfect fit for a Bears team that needs to move on from its dated offensive schemes and embrace the modern NFL. His innovative approach could help the Bears evolve into a competitive team in the NFC North, where the Lions are quickly establishing themselves as the new dominant force.
### 2. **Shane Steichen (Head Coach, Indianapolis Colts)**
Shane Steichen is another rising star in NFL coaching circles, most recently serving as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles and currently the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Steichen is widely regarded as one of the top young offensive minds in the game, largely because of his work with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. Under Steichen’s tutelage, Hurts transformed into one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the league.
**Why Steichen?**
Steichen’s ability to develop quarterbacks—particularly those with dual-threat potential—would make him an ideal fit for the Bears, given Justin Fields’ strengths as a runner and his untapped potential as a passer. In Philadelphia, Steichen turned Hurts into an MVP-caliber player, and many believe Fields could be next. Steichen would have the tools and knowledge to help Fields take the next step in his development, and his coaching style could bring out the best in other key players, such as running back Khalil Herbert and wide receiver Darnell Mooney.
As a head coach, Steichen has already shown that he can work with a variety of quarterbacks and offensive systems, which bodes well for a Bears team that needs flexibility and adaptability. The Colts are still in the early stages of their rebuild, but Steichen’s ability to develop talent and turn around offenses will likely earn him a strong look from Chicago.
### 3. **Jim Harbaugh (Head Coach, University of Michigan)**
Jim Harbaugh is a familiar name in NFL circles, and his success both as a former NFL head coach (San Francisco 49ers) and as the head coach at the University of Michigan has many believing he could be a top candidate for a return to the NFL. Harbaugh led the 49ers to three NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl appearance during his tenure from 2011 to 2014, and his time at Michigan has revitalized the program into a perennial contender.
**Why Harbaugh?**
Harbaugh’s pedigree in developing quarterbacks and creating tough, physical teams fits the Bears’ identity. Chicago has always prided itself on its defense, and Harbaugh would bring a no-nonsense approach to the team. His ability to turn quarterbacks into winners is well-documented, as evidenced by his success with Colin Kaepernick and Alex Smith in San Francisco, and his work with Michigan quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy.
A big selling point for Harbaugh would be his experience and his proven track record as a winner in both the college and NFL ranks. While he may not be the most exciting name for some, his leadership, offensive schemes, and development of quarterbacks could bring stability to a Bears team that has lacked it in recent years.
**Note:** Harbaugh has been linked to NFL coaching jobs in the past, and while he signed a new contract with Michigan, his NFL aspirations have been well known. If the right situation comes up—like the Bears with their growing young talent—Harbaugh could be tempted to make the jump.
### 4. **Brian Flores (Defensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings)**
Brian Flores is a name that should be familiar to many NFL fans. After a successful stint as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, where he built a tough, disciplined defense and developed a strong team culture, Flores was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. While his tenure in Miami ended controversially, Flores’ success as a defensive mind has not gone unnoticed.
**Why Flores?**
Flores would provide a sharp contrast to the offensive-minded candidates on this list, but his leadership and ability to build a competitive team cannot be overlooked. Under Flores, the Dolphins’ defense consistently overachieved, and his ability to coach up talent, even with limited resources, is impressive. If the Bears are looking to rebuild their defense and create a hard-nosed, playoff-caliber squad, Flores could be the man to lead that charge.
While his background is largely defensive, Flores understands the value of complementary football and would bring in a solid offensive coordinator to help develop Fields. If the Bears believe that their identity needs to return to defense-first football, Flores could be a great fit, creating a culture of toughness and accountability in the locker room while also positioning the offense for success.
### 5. **Kellen Moore (Offensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers)**
Kellen Moore is one of the most promising young offensive minds in the NFL today. After several successful seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, Moore moved to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. His offensive schemes have been high-powered and aggressive, making him an intriguing option for any team looking to revamp its offensive identity.
**Why Moore?**
Moore’s ability to design an explosive, modern offense would be a boon for the Bears, especially with Justin Fields still developing as a passer. Moore has proven he can get the most out of a quarterback—whether it’s Dak Prescott in Dallas or Justin Herbert in Los Angeles—and he could do the same with Fields. Moore’s pass-heavy, fast-paced offense could take advantage of Fields’ mobility while also challenging him to become a more accurate and efficient passer.
Moore’s youth and innovative approach are particularly appealing to the Bears, who need a coach capable of taking them into the next generation of football. His offense would allow Fields to thrive in a system that caters to his strengths while building a more dynamic attack.
### 6. **David Shaw (Former Head Coach, Stanford University)**
David Shaw is a name that has been connected to NFL head coaching searches for years. After a highly successful run at Stanford, where he consistently developed NFL-caliber players and fielded competitive teams, Shaw stepped away from the college game in 2022. Shaw’s ability to build a tough, disciplined team has always been his hallmark, and he’s particularly known for developing quarterbacks like Andrew Luck.
**Why Shaw?**
Shaw’s reputation as a quarterback whisperer and his calm, steady leadership style would be a strong fit for a Bears team looking to stabilize. His time in college helped him develop a deep understanding of team-building, and his focus on discipline and fundamentals could help transform the Bears’ culture. Shaw’s system emphasizes balance and accountability, which could mesh well with the Bears’ roster.
While Shaw may not be the flashiest hire, his ability to develop players and his consistent success in the college ranks make him an intriguing candidate for Chicago.
### **Conclusion: Who Will Lead the Bears into the Future?**
The Chicago Bears are at a crossroads. With a promising young quarterback in Justin Fields and a defense that has shown flashes of greatness, the team needs a leader who can capitalize on that potential and transform the Bears into a playoff contender. The best head coach for the job will be someone who can balance player development, offensive creativity, and strong leadership.
Ben Johnson and Shane Steichen emerge as the top candidates with their offensive expertise, especially given Fields’ potential. Jim Harbaugh’s experience and leadership could provide the Bears with the stability they’ve lacked, while Brian Flores offers a defensive-first approach that could help the team rebuild from the ground up. Kellen Moore’s high-powered offense and David Shaw’s steady leadership also offer unique paths to success.
The Bears will likely conduct a thorough search, but whichever coach they choose, the future of the franchise is on the
