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.
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Antonio Pierce was a first time head coach. Pierce was a “defensive” head coach. Same as Eberflus.
Difference: Pierce FIRED his offensive coordinator, quarterback coach and offensive line coach after 6 games.
Eberflus took TWO YEARS and STILL hasn’t fired his offensive line coach.
Pierce stocked his offensive (and defensive) staff with consultants, analysts and “coordinators.” Now he has Scott Turner being consulted by Norv Turner and Joe Philbin coaching his offensive line.
If you want someone, pay for them. But stock up on “other” options.
@chip really? Have you considered that BJ has it made in Detroit with the ton of talent they have? Would a coach like that want to come to a team that has a weak O-Line and a weak D-Line (save Sweat)? I would think they’d have to over-pay such an OC in order for him to ensure every cheap decision by the Chicago franchise, including drafting and keeping players is worth it. If you were Ben Johnson, would you come to Chicago so you can face Campbell 2x year? Are you really asking me this question? Does he really want… Read more »
What about Ben Johnson?
I like Vrabel. I’d be happy to have him as a head coach. But I am realistic. He was fired for 2 reasons:
1) The O-Line couldn’t stay healthy.
2) He stuck with Tannehill too long, who was not a clutch QB.
Lessons to be learned there. Good coach fired again.
The Bears couldn’t get the OC right..twice…..or the last 3 head coaches. So fat chance the next coach will be any better. They won’t pay the top $$ that good coaches would demand.
Expect another coordinator reject like Nagy, Flus, Waldron and most of the rest of the last 3 staffs.