Chicago Bears Are Considering A Coach Search Method Unseen In Decades

The pressure on the Chicago Bears is higher than ever before. With the arrival of Caleb Williams, they finally seem to have a franchise quarterback. Unfortunately, their ongoing dysfunction leaves many fearing the organization will find a way to bungle it. This is reinforced by their decision to keep Matt Eberflus as head coach despite obvious warning signs he wasn’t the guy. After a six-game losing streak and a massive locker room blowout, he became the first coach in Bears history to get fired midseason.

Now, the spotlight is on GM Ryan Poles and team president Kevin Warren to ensure the next hire is right. It has to be somebody who can develop Williams properly while stabilizing the locker room and turning a talent roster into winners. Albert Breer of the MMQB had some interesting comments on the Thursday Night Football broadcast. While most believe the Bears will target a QB guru of some kind, he suggests that isn’t necessarily true. They seek a “program builder.” One interesting nugget he added is that they may do what Detroit did by hiring a former player like Dan Campbell, who played a decade in the NFL before getting into coaching.

The Chicago Bears haven’t tried this method in over two decades.

At one point, hiring former players was a regular thing for the franchise, and it had success, too. George Halas, of course, played from 1919 to 1929 before transitioning to coaching and ownership. Paddy Driscoll played for 12 years and led the team to the NFL championship game in 1956. Last but certainly not least, Mike Ditka was a Hall of Fame tight end before taking over in 1982 and leading the Bears to their most successful decade of the Super Bowl era. The last person who was a true former player hired by the franchise was Dick Jauron in 1999. Lovie Smith, Marc Trestman, John Fox, Matt Nagy, and Matt Eberflus never logged snaps in the NFL.

That raises the obvious question. Are there any former players coaching right now who fit the criteria?

I scanned all of the coaching staffs around the league, looking for names who seemed to be having success and played in the NFL for around a decade as Campbell did. Here are the ones who stood out.

Aaron Glenn (Defensive coordinator, Detroit Lions)

A former three-time Pro Bowler, Glenn logged 41 interceptions in his career. Now, he is the defensive mastermind for the best team in the NFC. Despite a litany of injuries, his defense is still #2 in points allowed.

Mike Vrabel (Former head coach, Tennessee Titans)

He was a three-time Super Bowl champion linebacker for the New England Patriots. He since went on to become head coach in Tennessee, where he had four winning seasons in six years.

Duce Staley (Assistant head coach, Cleveland Browns)

Compiled over 8300 total yards and 34 touchdowns in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. He won a Super Bowl in 2005 and has become one of the most respected assistant coaches in the league.

Al Harris (Assistant head coach, Dallas Cowboys)

Played in the NFL for 14 years, making two Pro Bowls. Since shifting to coaching, he has overseen the development of Marcus Peters, Trevon Diggs, and DaRon Bland into All-Pros.

Josh McCown (QBs coach, Minnesota Vikings)

One of the most well-traveled backup quarterbacks in history, spanning 18 years. He was beloved by his teammates for his leadership. He is currently helping Sam Darnold sew up Comeback Player of the Year.

Wes Welker (WRs coach, Miami Dolphins)

He played 11 seasons in the NFL, making five Pro Bowls and revolutionizing the slot receiver position. Welker has since been instrumental in developing big names like Brandon Aiyuk and Jaylen Waddle.

Jim Leonhard (DBs coach, Denver Broncos)

He was a safety for nine seasons in the pros and was considered among the smartest in the game. He was a successful defensive coordinator for Wisconsin before joining Denver, which has the #9 defense in the league.

Andy Heck (OL coach, Kansas City Chiefs)

Behind every great offense is a great offensive line coach, and Heck is no exception. Much of Patrick Mahomes’ success can be credited to him, and Heck also played for 11 years. That includes five years with the Chicago Bears.

Edgar Bennett (WRs coach, Las Vegas Raiders)

He was a workhorse running back who played eight seasons and helped Green Bay win the Super Bowl in 1996. Then, he helped them win another as a coach in 2010. His leadership and presence were so prevalent that the Bears traded Cade McNown because he once yelled at Bennett in practice.