The Chicago Bears relieved Matt Eberflus of head coaching duties in November, just one day after he received considerable blame for mismanaging the clock in a 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Eberflus’ nearly three-year tenure in the Windy City was marred by a series of last-second losses and ended a six-game losing streak. Thomas Brown became interim head coach.
The Bears are now searching for the franchise’s next head coach and have already interviewed several candidates, staying in line with general manager Ryan Poles’ previous promise to cast a wide net during the search.
But, according to a new report from ESPN, one of the ways the team explored filling its head coaching vacancy involved acquiring Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin via trade.
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches from the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans on Oct. 1, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Bears recently contacted the Steelers to inquire about the possibility of obtaining permission to talk and possibly execute a trade for the Super Bowl-winning coach, according to the report. The Steelers rejected the request, sources told ESPN.
The talks are not believed to have reached Tomlin, who recently responded to questions about potential trade offers from other teams with a simple message: “Save time.” Tomlin’s contract reportedly includes a no-trade clause.
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The Steelers finished the regular season with a 10-7 record, maintaining Tomlin’s distinction of never having a record below .500. However, the team ended the season on a four-game losing streak.
Pittsburgh was then eliminated from the playoffs by the Baltimore Ravens in the wild card round. It’s been eight years since the Steelers won a playoff game.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during the first half of a wild card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is believed to be one of the most sought-after candidates in this hiring cycle. Earlier this week, the Bears announced they interviewed Johnson.
They also interviewed Arthur Smith, Brian Flores, Mike McCarthy, former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, and several others.
A Chicago Bears helmet during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 22, 2024. (Denny Medley/USA Today Sports)
Despite finishing the season with a 5-12 record, Chicago’s roster has talent at key positions. The Bears’ next head coach will be tasked with developing quarterback Caleb Williams, the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The coaching staff will also have the opportunity to work with wide receivers Rome Odunze and DJ Moore .
On the other hand, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is a two-time Pro Bowler and Jaylon Johnson is a talented cornerback.
While the New England Patriots filled their head coaching vacancy in short order by hiring Mike Vrabel, the Bears, Jets, Saints, Jaguars and Raiders continue their respective searches.
