The Chicago Bears are once again in the midst of a crucial phase in their quest to return to NFL relevance: a coaching search. With the 2025 NFL season winding down, the Bears’ front office has made it clear that significant changes are needed, and the search for the right head coach is at the top of the list. After a disappointing season, and with a young roster still in the process of development, the Bears are looking for a leader who can unlock the full potential of their offense, guide the defense, and finally restore the franchise to its former glory.
While the official decision on the new head coach has yet to be made, several names have already emerged as potential candidates. With a mix of experienced coaches and fresh, rising stars, the Bears’ search promises to be an intriguing one. Here’s a breakdown of the candidates who have surfaced so far in the Bears’ search for their next head coach.
### 1. **Jim Harbaugh (University of Michigan)**
Arguably the most high-profile candidate linked to the Chicago Bears job is **Jim Harbaugh**, the current head coach at the University of Michigan. Harbaugh’s name has long been floated for NFL openings, and given his successful tenure in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, the Bears may see him as a top-tier option to turn around their fortunes.
**Why Harbaugh Makes Sense for the Bears:**
Harbaugh has a proven track record in the NFL, leading the 49ers to three NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance in just his first three seasons. His ability to develop quarterbacks—particularly young quarterbacks—makes him an intriguing fit for the Bears, given their focus on the continued development of **Justin Fields**. Harbaugh’s reputation for strong leadership, discipline, and his balanced offensive schemes could be just what the Bears need to finally build a contender.
The Bears’ interest in Harbaugh is well-documented. He has connections to the city of Chicago, having played for the Bears in the 1980s, and his no-nonsense approach could appeal to the organization’s fan base. However, the biggest obstacle for the Bears could be luring him away from Michigan, where he’s built a powerhouse program. Harbaugh has repeatedly said that he’s happy in college football, but the allure of returning to the NFL with a team in desperate need of direction could tempt him.
### 2. **Frank Reich (Former Indianapolis Colts Head Coach)**
Another name that has been heavily linked to the Chicago Bears is **Frank Reich**, the former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Reich has a wealth of NFL experience, both as a player and a coach, and his pedigree makes him an intriguing candidate for the Bears’ opening.
**Why Reich Makes Sense for the Bears:**
Reich has experience working with young quarterbacks, most notably with **Carson Wentz** during his MVP-caliber season in 2017. His offensive-minded approach could be a great match for Fields, who still needs help refining his passing mechanics and developing into a more consistent quarterback. Reich has also been praised for his calm demeanor and ability to adapt his coaching style to the strengths of his roster. This flexibility could be a significant asset in a Bears team that is still in the early stages of its rebuild.
After being let go by the Colts midseason in 2022, Reich took a break from coaching, but he remains highly respected around the NFL. His balance of offensive expertise and leadership experience makes him a highly plausible candidate for the Bears’ job.
### 3. **Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator)**
A rising star in the coaching ranks, **Ben Johnson**, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has quickly become one of the most sought-after coaching prospects in the NFL. Under Johnson’s leadership, the Lions have fielded one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, with **Jared Goff** playing some of the best football of his career and the entire unit putting up impressive numbers.
**Why Johnson Makes Sense for the Bears:**
Johnson’s ability to develop a creative, high-scoring offense is exactly what the Bears need. With Fields still in his developmental stages as a passer, the Bears would benefit from Johnson’s innovative schemes that maximize quarterback strengths. Johnson has a knack for scheming open receivers, and he’s demonstrated an ability to adjust the offense based on his quarterback’s skill set. His work with Goff could provide a roadmap for what Fields needs to succeed at the next level.
Additionally, Johnson’s success as a play-caller for the Lions’ offense has turned him into a hot commodity. His youth and modern approach to the game could resonate with a Bears organization looking to modernize its offense after years of stagnation under previous head coaches.
However, the challenge with Johnson is his relative inexperience at the head coach level. While he’s proven to be an excellent offensive coordinator, taking on the responsibility of being a head coach for a rebuilding franchise like the Bears would be a big jump. Still, Johnson’s potential is undeniable, and his name will likely remain in the mix for teams looking to make a splash.
### 4. **Ejiro Evero (Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator)**
The Bears have traditionally been known for their defense, and given their roster’s strength on that side of the ball, the team may look to hire a head coach who can put together a strong defense and build a culture of toughness. **Ejiro Evero**, the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, has been mentioned as a potential candidate due to his work with the Panthers’ defense in 2024.
**Why Evero Makes Sense for the Bears:**
Evero has been highly praised for his defensive schemes, especially his ability to develop young players and get the most out of his defensive line. The Bears have several defensive stars, including **Roquan Smith**, **Jaquan Brisker**, and **Kyler Gordon**, but their defense has often underperformed due to a lack of cohesion and adjustments. Evero could come in and provide the stability the unit needs while also bringing a fresh perspective on how to integrate the defense with the rest of the team.
Evero’s ability to adjust his defensive strategies based on the opponent’s strengths would be invaluable in a division where the Bears regularly face high-powered offenses like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. He’s also shown a knack for coaching young talent and would likely be a strong influence on the Bears’ emerging defensive stars.
However, like Ben Johnson, Evero’s lack of head coaching experience could raise questions about his readiness for the top job. While his defensive acumen is undeniable, he would need to prove he can handle the pressures of leading a full team.
### 5. **Mike Kafka (New York Giants Offensive Coordinator)**
**Mike Kafka**, the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants, has emerged as a dark-horse candidate for the Bears’ coaching job. Kafka, who previously worked with **Patrick Mahomes** in Kansas City, has seen his star rise quickly, helping the Giants improve offensively after years of stagnation.
**Why Kafka Makes Sense for the Bears:**
Kafka’s experience in Kansas City and his work with Daniel Jones in New York highlight his ability to work with quarterbacks who are still developing. His offensive philosophy, which focuses on passing efficiency, quick decision-making, and spreading the field, could be a good fit for Fields and the Bears’ offense. Kafka is also highly respected for his work ethic, his understanding of the game, and his innovative offensive mindset.
The biggest challenge for Kafka is his relative inexperience as a coordinator, and many would argue that he still needs more time to prove himself. However, his trajectory is certainly promising, and if the Bears are looking for a forward-thinking, quarterback-friendly offensive mind, Kafka could be an intriguing candidate.
### Conclusion: Who’s the Right Fit?
The Chicago Bears’ coaching search is still in its early stages, but the list of candidates is shaping up to be an exciting one. Whether they go for a proven NFL coach like Jim Harbaugh or Frank Reich, or take a risk on rising stars like Ben Johnson or Mike Kafka, the Bears have a golden opportunity to hire a coach who can guide Justin Fields and the entire team back to relevance.
With a strong defense in place and a promising quarterback, the Bears are only a few key pieces away from becoming a competitive team once again. The next head coach could be the piece that finally unlocks their potential and sets them on the path to success in the NFC North. Whoever takes the reins, they will need to bring fresh ideas, strong leadership, and a clear vision for the future. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
