Marcus Freeman was a surprise name when insiders revealed the Chicago Bears were hoping to speak with him. The head coach has Notre Dame in their first national championship since 2012. He's widely considered one of the best in college football and isn't even 40 years old yet. He was drafted by the Bears in 2009 and seems to have the high-energy, disciplinary style the team is looking for. It makes sense they would want to speak with him. However, at least one person doesn't see it happen. That is Brian Urlacher.
The legendary Bears linebacker has followed the Irish closely since his son Kennedy joined the program. Since then, he's gained a deep appreciation for the type of coach Freeman is. Staying at Notre Dame is the best for him. Besides, he doesn't think the Bears are willing to do what it takes to get him. Why? He explained on Waddle & Silvy.
Brian Urlacher knows how the Bears have operated.
One thing they've always done as a franchise is underpay their head coaches. Even at the peak of his powers in the late 2000s, Lovie Smith wasn't close to being among the highest-paid in the NFL. The theory is that this is why they prefer hiring first-time head coaches. They are always cheaper than established guys. Brian Urlacher is familiar with the practice from his long career playing for the team. In his mind, there is no way the Bears are willing to pay Freeman more than the $10 million per year he's getting from Notre Dame. He could be right. Chicago has never paid that much for a head coach. Maybe Kevin Warren, who is reportedly the one smitten with Freeman, might be able to change that.
Either way, Urlacher's point stands. The odds of Chicago luring Freeman away from such a cushy job are remote. Still, there was never any harm in exploring the possibility.
