The Bears Eye Matt Campbell for Head Coach Position
In a move that could reshape the landscape of the Chicago Bears, the franchise is actively considering Matt Campbell, the acclaimed head coach of Iowa State, for their coaching vacancy. This potential shift comes in the aftermath of the Bears parting ways with Matt Eberflus, whose tenure ended with a challenging 14-32 record.
Campbell's Rise at Iowa State
Matt Campbell has established himself as a transformative figure in college football since taking the helm at Iowa State in 2016. Boasting a 62-50 record and a 55.4% winning percentage, Campbell is recognized as the most successful coach in the history of Iowa State football. His leadership brought Iowa State to prominence with five consecutive winning seasons, culminating in a historic 10-win season in 2024. That season also saw the university making its second appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game within six years—a testament to Campbell's impact on the program.
Recognizing his value, Iowa State secured Campbell's leadership with an eight-year contract extension in December, intended to keep him at the school through 2032. This commitment underscored Campbell's integral role in Iowa State's aspirations on the national stage and marked him as a coveted target for NFL teams, like the Bears, looking to reinvigorate their own fortunes.
A Bears Team in Transition
The Bears' decision to part with Eberflus was a strategic move sparked by disappointing results on the field. After finishing the last season with a 7-10 record, the Bears' struggles continued into the 2024 campaign, where they produced a 4-8 record. Interim head coach Thomas Brown, originally the pass game coordinator, stepped in to lead the team, offering a glimpse of potential by orchestrating a victory over divisional rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in the season closer.
Brown's ascension provided the Bears some stability, but the leadership is diligently searching for a coach who can solidify the team’s identity and drive them back into postseason contention. With the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears are positioned to reinforce their roster, making the selection of a dynamic head coach even more critical to their upcoming strategies.
The Potential Impact of Hiring Campbell
The potential appointment of Matt Campbell could herald a new era for the Bears, as Campbell's proficiency in crafting resilient, winning teams aligns with the franchise's aspirations to return to its storied tradition of success. His ability to maximize talent and develop a cohesive unit has been proven, and these skills are particularly attractive to an NFL team looking to cultivate young players and recreate a winning culture.
Furthermore, Campbell’s background reflects an understanding of high-stakes games and managing expectations, crucial for a franchise like the Bears that operates under the large lens of one of the NFL's most passionate fanbases. His strategic mind and player-first philosophy could bring about a harmonious locker room environment and an exciting on-field product.
As the Bears organization weighs its options, a pursuit of Matt Campbell would signal their commitment to building a sustainable winning program. Whether they will successfully lure him away from the collegiate ranks remains to be seen, but their expressed interest alone highlights his rising stock as a sought-after leader in football circles.
Conclusion
The Bears’ coaching conundrum is indicative of a pivotal offseason where decisions made could reverberate through the roster and fanbase alike. Matt Campbell stands as a figure who could embody the fresh start and progressive leadership the team is yearning for. While negotiations and deliberations continue, it is apparent that the Bears are prepared to make bold moves to reinvigorate their standing within the league, with Campbell possibly at the center of this rebirth.