The Chicago Bears are back in the market for a head coach. After some head-scratching blunders this season, Matt Eberflus was relieved of his duties. There was optimism this offseason that the Bears could be a fringe playoff team. Caleb Williams was billed as a generational talent, and GM Ryan Poles had improved the weapons around him. The defense played great at the end of last year and the hope is they would be able to build upon that. Now, the team is under immense pressure to get this hire right. One report indicates the team is highly interested in an NFC North coordinator, and it isn’t the one you are thinking.
Chicago Bears Head Coaching Search
The Detroit Lions have two coordinators that have been getting a lot of buzz. Ben Johnson has been on the top of many lists for the past two years and is one of the top candidates in this cycle. Not to be outdone, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has also been drawing some interest. While the Chicago Bears may give one or both a look, SI.com’s Albert Breer reported Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has a real shot at the job. One fan asked if it was a real possibility and this is what Breer had to say.
Yes, he is. He’s a Boston College teammate of GM Ryan Poles. He’s in Minnesota, where Kevin Warren worked for a decade and a half—and reviews have come back from the Minnesota Vikings to Warren raving about the job Flores has done. He’ll have to answer, of course, for what went wrong with Tua Tagovailoa in Miami, given that he’d have a young quarterback to raise in Chicago. But, yes, I’d expect the Bears to take a long look at Flores.
Sam Darnold has been the talk of that team, but the defense has been one of the best units in the league. Minnesota is tied for first in takeaways with 31 on the year. They are third in the NFL in sacks, having racked up 47.0 on the year so far. They have been a nightmare for opposing offenses and are just as big of a reason the team has a chance at the number one overall seed in the NFC. The Chicago Bears have taken notice and are highly interested. Is it a good fit?
Brian Flores Coaching History
Breer mentions his time in Miami. His time as the head coach of the Dolphins ended in controversy. He accused the team owner of trying to force him to lose games. On top of that, he sued the league over unfair hiring practices by other franchises. On the field, he took criticism for his handling of a young Tua Tagovailoa. These are things the Chicago Bears will have to get answers for. The number one priority for the Bears is the development of Caleb Williams. While a dominant defense is needed, too, the team is going nowhere without a competent offense.
Brian Flores would be yet another defensive-minded head coach for the Chicago Bears. Many have predicted they would try to lean more towards the offensive side of the ball, hence the interest in Ben Johnson. However, there is no question Flores is a capable coach. Minnesota is benefitting greatly from his services. There are some questions, but overall, he is a quality candidate for not just the Bears but any team.
Final Thoughts
This would be a slam-dunk hire for the Chicago Bears. Flores has shown he can be a quality head coach. His time in Miami ended in a strange way, and while he may have shouldered some blame, my gut told me he wasn’t totally at fault. This team is getting plenty of interest from many quality coaches. Can they make the right choice and finally get back to the playoffs?
