Top Chicago Bears Head Coach Option Might Already Be Off The Market

On Sunday, the Chicago Bears took another agonizing step toward a head coaching change. Once again, Matt Eberflus had a chance to reverse his fortunes with a big win over the Green Bay Packers. Instead, he found yet another brutal way to lose. This time, it was a defensive breakdown to lose the lead and a blocked field goal to fail to get it back. Eberflus just can’t seem to teach his team how to finish. He’s now 0-5 against Green Bay, which by itself is often grounds for dismissal in this city.

Barring a miraculous turnaround in the final seven weeks, expectations are that the Bears will be hunting for his replacement. The only question is who that man will be. One of the top names on the market will be former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. He led that team to an AFC championship and two division titles in six seasons. Most experts consider him one of the two or three best options available. However, Pro Football Rumors revealed that he may already have his next job lined up.

It involves reuniting with an old friend.

“Pierce’s job is not safe and there is a growing expectation in league circles that Mike Vrabel is going to be the next head coach of the Raiders. Brady was involved in the process that led to the hiring of Pierce, but sources have indicated that Pierce was not Brady’s top choice for the job.

Should the team move on from Pierce, expect the Raiders to follow Rooney Rule procedures during the NFL’s hiring process. Current defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who was on the New England coaching staff from 2009-15, has a relationship with Brady and is highly respected at every level within the organization. Graham was a candidate for the head-coach job last year, and his inclusion in the interview process this time around wouldn’t be a formality to satisfy Rooney Rule obligations.

Still, Vrabel is considered the front runner for the job, according to several sources who spoke to Pro Football Post on a condition of anonymity.”

The Chicago Bears may have to look elsewhere.

Now Vrabel was far from a lock to come here anyway. The organization doesn’t have a long track record of hiring head coaches who have run an NFL team before. John Fox was the only one. They are often older and more expensive. Vrabel is only 49, though. He also has a great reputation for leadership and accountability. Team president Kevin Warren has a history of being on teams that consistently hire head coaches with previous experience. Dick Vermeil and Steve Mariucci are two examples.

Vrabel would’ve been an obvious target if he had followed that script. However, it appears Tom Brady has plans to reunite with his old Patriots teammate now that he’s a part-owner in Las Vegas. The Chicago Bears will have to go hunting for their next guy elsewhere. Smart money says they will focus on the offensive side of the ball, hoping to find somebody who can unlock the full potential of quarterback Caleb Williams. There will be no shortage of options, or interested parties.