Chicago Bears Quietly Monitoring Surprise Head Coach Candidate

The Chicago Bears aren't giving up on Matt Eberflus yet. Or at least that's the message being made clear through the media. GM Ryan Poles remained adamant that he firmly believes in the embattled head coach. However, time has often shown what's said to the cameras isn't the same behind closed doors. The Bears won't fire Eberflus now. Like every other coach in franchise history, he will at least make it to the end of the regular season before making a decision. Beyond that, there are no guarantees. Whispers persist that some inside Halas Hall aren't happy with what they've seen.

While no actions have been made yet, one source said some research is underway on potential candidates if a change were to happen. Several obvious names are on the list, from Jim Harbaugh to Ben Johnson, Bobby Slowik, and Kellen Moore. However, there is one somewhat unexpected name generating some buzz. That is Kalen DeBoer. He is the head coach at Washington University, currently 10-0 and in the thick of the national championship picture. His quarterback, Michael Penix, is among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. DeBoer isn't a household name, but his work over the past two years is gaining attention in NFL circles.

DeBoer would bring quarterback expertise to the Chicago Bears.

Obviously, the belief is they will start over at the position if they end up with one of the first two picks in the 2024 draft. They will want a head coach who can develop one. DeBoer is an understudy of longtime coaching legend Jeff Tedford. He built a reputation in college for recruiting and developing several quarterbacks, including Trent Dilfer and Aaron Rodgers. Akili Smith, Joey Harrington, David Carr, and Kyle Boller were all eventual 1st round picks. It appears DeBoer inherited that same ability.

He brought Penix over as a transfer from Indiana. The quarterback was considered a lost cause, having been haunted by injuries and erratic play. In their two years together, they're 21-2 with over 8100 yards passing, 59 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. DeBoer is 100-11 as a head coach overall since 2005. The interest from the Chicago Bears is justified. The obvious question would be whether the man is interested in the NFL. He's spent his entire career in the college ranks and has a nice gig in Washington. Jumping ship for the pros would be a considerable risk.

In modern franchise history, the Bears have never hired a head coach straight out of college. It would be a major departure but an intriguing one.