Possible Candidates for the Bears Head Coaching Position
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So, the Chicago Bears lost again. This time to the New Orleans Saints 24-17. The offense had a great first half but then repeated their notorious nosedive in the second half. The defense had troubles but gave the offense many chances to take the lead and win. However, quarterback Tyson Bagent threw three interceptions to the Saints defense. Now with QB Justin Fields possibly starting this Thursday against the Carolina Panthers, head coach Matt Eberflus is one of the most likely coaches to get fired.
It is clear that we need a change in the coaching staff. Personally, I want an experienced offensive mind to be our new head coach, or an offensive coordinator with a plethora of experience to warrant their first big job. Or even, an experienced defensive-minded coach provided that he picks an experienced offensive coordinator. Here are a few possible people to replace Eberflus.
Ben Johnson, Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions
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First and foremost, current Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson is an ideal candidate to replace Eberflus. Johnson’s first job in the NFL was with the Miami Dolphins in 2012 as an Offensive Assistant. From then on until 2018, Johnson rose up the ranks of the Dolphins coaching staff being promoted to Assistant Quarterbacks Coach, Tight Ends Coach, Assistant Wide Receivers Coach, and Wide Receivers Coach.
In 2019, Johnson would join the Lions as an Offensive Quality Control Coach. When Head Coach Dan Campbell joined the Lions, Johnson would remain on the team, finally getting playcalling responsibilities last year when he was promoted to Offensive Coordinator.
In 2021, the Detroit Lions offense was ranked 22nd in the league, averaging 322.6 yards per game (ypg). Their passing offense was ranked 18th in the league, averaging 211.6 ypg. Finally, their rushing offense was ranked 19th in the league averaging 110.9 ypg.
In 2022, the Lions offense was ranked 4th in the league averaging 380 ypg. They had a higher ranked offense then the San Francisco 49ers, Dolphins, and the Minnesota Vikings. Their passing offense was ranked 8th in the league averaging 251.8 ypg, and their rushing offense was ranked 11th in the league averaging 128.2 ypg.
Now this year, the Lions are have the 2nd ranked offense, 6th in passing, and 6th in rushing. The Johnson effect on the Lions is as clear as day and makes me salivate at the possibility of getting him as a possible new head coach. Fields could finally improve with a competent and proven offensive playcaller.
The clear improvement of the offense is staggering, imagine what that could look like for the Chicago Bears.
Eric Bienemy, Offensive Coordinator, Washington Commanders
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Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy finally left the hive of the Kansas City Chiefs to become the offensive play caller for the Washington Commanders.
In 2022, the Commanders’ offense was ranked 20th in the league averaging 330.3 ypg. Their passing offense was ranked 21st in the league averaging 204.2 ypg, meanwhile, their rushing offense was ranked 12th in the league averaging 126.1 ypg.
This year, the Commanders’ offense is ranked 17th in the league, averaging 332.1 ypg. Their passing offense improved to the 9th best in the league, averaging 242 ypg. Meanwhile, their rushing offense is ranked 26th in the league averaging 90.1 ypg.
He has a vast amount of experience under Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid and helped make QB Patrick Mahomes a star. He could help turn Fields around, or if the Bears draft a QB, he can make that player look good.
Dan Quinn, Defensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys
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Now granted, I would prefer an offensive minded candidate to replace Eberflus. However, I would not mind a great defensive mind if they pick a good, experienced playcaller for the offense.
Deffensive Coordinator Dan Quinn has had a plethora of experience in the NFL and has had playoff experience. His experience includes a head coaching stint for the Atlanta Falcons. His downfall there was a change in the offensive play caller after Kyle Shanahan took the head coaching job with the 49ers.
Under Quinn, the Dallas Cowboys defense is ranked 3rd in the league, averaging 288 ypg allowed. Their passing defense is ranked 6th averaging 179.1 ypg allowed, and their run defense is ranked 15th in the league averaging 108.9 ypg allowed. The Bears defense is abysmal at times and downright awful at other points. Quinn could do wonders for the Bears defense and the team as a whole, as long as he nails his offensive hires.
I like Bieniemy and Johnson as prospective hires over Quinn due to their offensive expertise. Johnson especially because how in less than two years, he turned an abysmal offense for the Lions to one of, if not the best in the league in such a short span. QB Jared Goff has looked like a superstar at times. Meanwhile in Washington, QB Sam Howell looks like a star as well under Bieniemy.
I also would prefer an offensive mind so that way we as a fanbase don’t have to pray that the coach nails the coordinator hire.
