Pete Carroll has expressed interest in Bears job |
It is going to be an interesting offseason for the Chicago Bears for a variety of reasons. Not only does this team have some tough personnel decisions to make regarding what players to keep and what players to get rid of, but they are also going to be prepping for another top-10 pick, leaving them plenty of options.
Along with the comes the possible changes in the front office, including GM Ryan Poles, who may or may not have a job once the season is over. However, the biggest topic for the Bears offseason will again fall on the Head Coach as the Bears will be in the market for a new man in charge. Unlike most teams that struggle to win games, Chicago is in a major market, has a young and talented quarterback to build around, and will once again have plenty of Cap space to make things happen. That is why the Bears job is expected to be one of the most, if not the most, sought-after positions this summer, as the Bears will have plenty of candidates fighting for the position. Even though the season isn't over, you have already been hearing names of coaches interested in the position and coaches who have stated they would love an opportunity to coach in Chicago. The most notable names up to this point are Ben Johnson and Mike Vrabel, as those have been two candidates who not only said they would love a shot in Chicago, but Chicago is also expected to interview them as soon as they can. Guys like Brian Flores and Kliff Kingsbury also remain possibilities, but neither one seems like an ideal match for Chicago. The most recent name added to the Bears' list of candidates came out of nowhere: long-time Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll has expressed interest in taking over the same position in Chicago. Despite being the oldest HC in the NFL last season before stepping away this season, there is no denying his success as a coach. Carroll is one of just four coaches who have led his teams to both an NCAA and Superbowl title, so he knows how to win at every level. Throw in his GM and front office experience, which is what he is doing this season, and Chicago could be getting one of the brightest coaching minds in the market who understands the ins and outs of a franchise from the top down. Adam Schefter was the first to report this story last week. Carroll has been contemplating returning to the sidelines next season if the job is right. Chicago would be one of the jobs he would look at, which is worth noting if you're a Bears fan. "In recent weeks, Carroll has begun discussing a return in the NFL and now is interested in doing it. He has not yet spoken with any teams yet, per sources, but he would welcome that chance. Though Carroll is 73, everybody who knows him knows that he has more energy than most. Chicago, with former USC quarterback Caleb Williams, is appealing to Carroll, per sources. Carroll may not have worked with Williams, but having that USC connection could be the main factor in why he would want this job. You also have to consider Carroll's success with a mobile quarterback in Seattle, as he was paired with Russell Wilson for over a decade. During those seasons, the Seahawks made the playoffs eight times, reaching the Superbowl twice and winning it once. The Bears hope to be able to do that with Williams regardless of who takes over as head coach, as they have been to just two Superbowls in Franchise history. In an ERA where more organizations are going with young and upcoming assistant coaches to lead their teams, Carroll doesn't fit that mold. However, if you want to keep an open mind about the possibility, this makes sense for a few reasons. The biggest reason is that Chicago doesn't want to make the same mistake they did with Matt Nagy, Matt Eberflus, and other first-time head coaches. They would like to hire someone with proven NFL coaching experience, and with an 181–131–1 along with a 97–19 college record, Carroll has the experience the Bears are looking for. He is also a .500 coach in the playoffs and has gone 11-11 all-time in the postseason, but take away his Superbowl years, and he is just 5-10, which isn't that great. Chicago is also looking for someone they call a leader of men type of coach, and from all accounts, Carroll is that guy. Even though it may not have looked like it late in his Seattle tenure, everyone who has ever worked with Carroll loves him, and he has always known how to build an organization. To me, this sounds like an ideal option for the Bears' next head coach, even if it may not be the direction most of the NFL was thinking. Regardless, the Bears can't miss on their next hire, so keeping their options open is very important to the entire organization.
