The Chicago Bears have an important offseason ahead of them, where decisions will need to be made about the futures of quarterback Justin Fields and head coach Matt Eberflus.
While the belief around league circles is Chicago will retain Eberflus, one NFL insider explained how that could change. And it involves an established head coach who could very well be looking to transition from college back to the NFL.
According to NFL insider Tony Pauline, the Bears are among several teams that have shown “significant interest” in Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.
While the Bears have indicated Matt Eberflus will return as head coach, I am told there is a possibility for change if the franchise believes it can reel in Harbaugh. The fact that the team owns the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and a second selection midway through the frame makes the Chicago job even more attractive.
The Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers — teams currently with a head coach vacancy — are reportedly pushing hard for Harbaugh, with Pauline noting the Raiders are the favorites. But it’s notable that the Bears and Washington Commanders, who are expected to part ways with Ron Rivera, are also showing interest.
Chicago’s late-season turnaround certainly has played a huge part in the front office’s reported interest to stick with Eberflus. But if Harbaugh is interested in returning to the team that drafted him, it would be an absolute game changer for the Bears.
Harbaugh is a proven head coach, both at the NFL and college level, who knows what it takes to build a team into a championship contender. Taking a potential Chicago job would certainly be appealing with them having the first overall pick, a favorable salary cap situation and young talent in place.