Top candidates for Bears next head coach

Junfu Han - USA Today Sports

by Dustin Riese - Senior Writer - Wed Dec 04 12:00:02 GMT-05:00 2024

We aren't even a week into the Thomas Brown era, but Bears head coach and team president Kevin Warren has already stated what his team is looking for in its next head coach. As much as an experienced coach would be good, they are looking for what they would call a leader of men to take the reigns and hold this team accountable.

Throw in the fact that this team has a great defense, a budding star quarterback, and all the offensive talent in the world, and there will be no shortage of names looking to get an interview for this gig.

As things stand, 17 potential names have been mentioned as possible fits for Chicago, and several more could be added to the list.

Whether these names are rumors or have some merit behind them remains to be seen, but the bottom line is that the Bears will have their pick of the litter once the hiring cycle begins. This is the most prominent coaching hire in team history.

Today, it is all about the top candidates, or the ones you would call the must-hires.

Ben Johnson

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson remains at the top of the list, not just for the Bears but for many teams in the NFL. After seeing what he has been able to do with the Lions and their offense, can you imagine what he could do with Williams?

He may not fall into the experienced head coach category, but given the culture he will be coming from, you can bet he will be one of those guys who will establish a brand-new culture in Chicago. If young offensive-minded play callers are the route the Bears are looking to take, Houston OC Bobby Slowik and Tampa Bay OC Liam Coen are two names to consider. Both were viewed as potential OC options for the Bears this season, with Coen being one of the final candidates before hiring Shane Waldron.

Mike Vrabel

You also have experienced coaches to try and pursue, and Mike Vrabel has seen his name shoot near the top of the list. Coming off a successful tenure with the Titans, Vrabel was let go following the 2023 season and now serves as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns. He is the definition of a team builder who will hold everyone in this organization accountable.

Kliff Kingsbury

Speaking of experienced head coaches, two more names for the Bears to consider shouldn't come as a surprise for various reasons. Kliff Kingsbury is a name linked to the Bears all off-season long. The most obvious reason is his connection to Williams, as he was his OC at USC.

The two were a well-oiled machine, and Williams had a slightly down season compared to his Heisman campaign but still one of the best seasons in the country. Adding him to the Bears would ultimately allow Williams to be part of a system he was comfortable with in college and would allow the Bears to tailor their entire offense around his strengths.

Kyle Shannahan

Last but certainly not least, there is the million-dollar question surrounding Kyle Shannahan. Given what is happening in San Francisco and seeing that franchise on the verge of a potential rebuild, would Shannahan want to stick around for a rebuild or look for a fresh start elsewhere? Chicago could be that fresh start, and should he become available, the Bears need to make the call.

Known for blowing big leads in big games, Shannahan is still one of the best offensive minds in the game and, from all accounts, is a very solid head coach. He is a player's coach and excellent at the more complex offensive schemes, which tend to work in his favor. Chicago could use a complex offensive approach, as their offense has been an issue for the better part of three seasons.