One Reason The Chicago Bears OC Search Might Be Taking So Long

The Chicago Bears made sweeping changes to their offensive coaching staff on January 10th, headlined by the dismissal of Luke Getsy as offensive coordinator. It has been 19 days since then, and the Bears still haven't found his replacement. As of writing this, the organization has spoken to nine different candidates about the position. No second interviews have happened, and it's unclear if even more names will join the list. People have started to wonder why head coach Matt Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles are taking so long. Remember, Getsy was hired three days after Eberflus took over in 2022. One would think they'd have an idea of who they like by now.

Then again, maybe they do. Only there could be a problem. Their preferred option isn't available yet. As stated above, the Bears have met with nine candidates for offensive coordinator.

• Shane Waldron
• Klint Kubiak
• Liam Coen
• Greg Olson
• Greg Roman
• Thomas Brown
• Marcus Brady
• Zac Robinson
• Kliff Kingsbury

All of those names are available to hire right now except one. Kubiak is the San Francisco 49ers passing game coordinator. His team is still in the playoffs, preparing for the divisional round against the Green Bay Packers. He won't be allowed to interview again until after the game and likely won't take another position until the postseason is concluded. The longer this goes on, the more it becomes plausible Chicago may view Kubiak as their preferred candidate.

The Chicago Bears' interest in Kubiak is understandable.

He is the son of Gary Kubiak, a Super Bowl-winning head coach and one of the most successful offensive coordinators of the past 30 years. Klint got his start in the NFL with Minnesota, where he steadily rose up the ranks. He eventually became their quarterbacks coach in 2019 and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2021. His first year wasn't perfect, but the Vikings still finished 12th in total yards and 14th in scoring. Sadly, he never got a chance to grow as the coaching staff was fired after the season.

Here is where it gets interesting. Kubiak landed in Denver as their new passing game coordinator. It was a disaster through the first half of the season. Eventually, head coach Nathaniel Hackett gave up playcalling duties to Kubiak in late November. After a rough first few weeks, he seemed to find a groove. Denver scored 24 or more points only four times that year. All four came in the season's final five weeks, with Kubiak calling plays.

This season, he's helped second-year QB Brock Purdy throw for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns. Facts don't lie. Kubiak is the son of an NFL great and he seems to have success even in difficult circumstances. It isn't a surprise the Chicago Bears are interested in him. Maybe enough to be willing to wait.