The Bears Discussing Their Head Coach Vacancy With Pete Carroll
ESPN’s Adam Schefter delivered a major Christmas Day revelation by reporting that Super Bowl-winning coach Pete Carroll is interested in coaching the Chicago Bears in 2025. This news was quickly followed by NFL insider Albert Breer, who added during the Amazon Prime pre-game show before the Bears-Seahawks matchup that the Bears are equally interested in discussing their head coaching vacancy with Carroll.
Breer elaborated on the Bears’ intentions, stating:
“Yes, Pete Carroll has an interest in the Bears job, but that’s not the only one he is looking at. I’m told that he has informed all the teams with openings that he is looking to get back into coaching in 2025. Additionally, I’m told that the Bears are interested in sitting down and having a conversation with Carroll about their opening.”
The mutual interest between Carroll and the Bears is intriguing. While hiring Carroll might not appeal to every fan, the Bears are in no position to overlook candidates with a résumé like his. Carroll’s track record includes building dominant programs both in college (at USC) and in the NFL (with the Seattle Seahawks). He is widely regarded as a proven winner. At the very least, the Bears owe it to themselves to have a conversation with Carroll and glean insights about establishing a successful football organization.
That said, it’s worth noting that Carroll might not be the perfect fit for the Bears, and not everyone is rallying behind the idea of him taking over. However, keeping an open mind during this process is vital. The Bears need a leader who can address their weaknesses and elevate the team, whether that person is Carroll or another candidate.
Other Candidates in the Mix
Breer also shed light on the Bears’ broader search strategy:
“The Bears have been vetting candidates, and leadership is going to remain a key component in what they are looking for in their next coach. But it has become abundantly clear over the last few weeks that if it’s not a quarterbacks guy specifically, they will be looking for someone with a clear plan for the quarterback.”
Among the potential candidates, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has emerged as a frontrunner. Johnson, considered one of the brightest minds in football, reportedly has high standards for alignment with general managers and ownership groups, preferring to work with organizations committed to addressing and fixing their mistakes. Given the Bears’ struggles, Johnson’s criteria might make him an ideal fit.
Other names generating buzz include:
Mike Vrabel: The Tennessee Titans head coach is seen as a “leader of men” and a strong motivator.
Aaron Glenn: The Detroit Lions defensive coordinator has also been noted for his leadership qualities.
Kliff Kingsbury: Known for his connection with Caleb Williams, the potential No. 1 draft pick, Kingsbury coached Williams at USC and maintains a strong relationship with him.
Brian Flores: Currently a defensive assistant with the Minnesota Vikings, Flores has ties to Bears GM Ryan Poles from their college days.
Thomas Brown: The Bears’ interim head coach is expected to be considered for the permanent role.
The Road Ahead
While Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is currently seen as the top candidate among fans, the Bears are casting a wide net in their search. The organization is reportedly prioritizing candidates with strong leadership skills and a clear vision for developing a quarterback. Carroll, Vrabel, Glenn, and others bring varying levels of intrigue due to their backgrounds and accomplishments, adding complexity to the process.
The search is still in its early stages, and it could stretch well into February. This extended timeline allows the Bears to thoroughly evaluate all options, ensuring they make the best decision for the franchise’s future. As this process unfolds, fans should prepare for weeks of speculation and analysis surrounding the team’s next head coach.
