When the Chicago Bears selected Rome Odunze with the No. 9 overall pick in April’s draft after his stellar career with the Washington Huskies, general manager Ryan Poles expected the 2023 consensus All-American to form a dynamic combination with the top pick in the draft, quarterback Caleb Williams.
While the two have shown exciting upside, as Odunze ranks second on the team in receiving yards (701), third in receptions (51), and fourth in touchdowns (3), the Bears have struggled. Part of that is due to playing in the toughest division in football, with the NFC North holding three playoff teams, but Chicago’s coaching staff has done its young, promising roster no favors.
The 4-11 Bears have fired head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, and thanks to Williams, Odunze, and that young roster, it will be the most desired job in the NFL coaching carousel. According to recent reports, the two most notable names on the market are interested in what the Bears have to offer.
Pete Carroll
According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the longtime Seattle Seahawks coach and father of Huskies offensive coordinator Brennan Carroll is intrigued by the job.
His defensive-minded philosophy would go a long way toward helping former Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon establish himself as one of the NFL’s top defensive backs but would need to make a top-notch offensive coordinator to help build the future of the franchise.
Ben Johnson
Instead of making Carroll search for an offensive coordinator, the Bears could go after the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator instead. Johnson has become the most-coveted coach on the market over the last few seasons, but he has been very patient about his first head coaching position.
“My understanding is: Johnson is intrigued by the Bears’ job and he is going to be willing to listen,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said over the weekend. “There’s a lot to like in Chicago, with Caleb Williams, tons of cap space, extra draft resources. Also, a major market and they’re expected to break ground on a new stadium next year.”
Either hire would be a strong one for the organization, which can’t afford to make another hire like Eberflus, who went 14-32 in his tenure, after drafting several strong building blocks.