The Chicago Bears head coaching job is, and has always been, highly coveted. While some may have questioned its appeal due to organizational dysfunction, the reality is that the Bears are a charter franchise in one of the NFL’s largest markets. That, combined with a promising young quarterback like Caleb Williams, makes the job very attractive.
On Christmas morning, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter dropped a bombshell: Pete Carroll, the Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, has expressed interest in the Bears head coaching job and a desire to return to the sidelines next season.
However, Pete Carroll to Chicago is unlikely to happen. Here’s why.
1. The Ben Johnson Factor
The Bears next head coach needs to be a young, innovative offensive mind. Ben Johnson, widely regarded as the hottest coaching prospect this offseason, fits that description perfectly. Pairing a creative offensive guru with a quarterback as talented as Caleb Williams is simply too compelling to pass up.
If Johnson were unavailable, Carroll might have a stronger case. But as things stand, the Bears appear poised to follow the modern trend of hiring a forward-thinking offensive strategist.
I'd still hire Ben Johnson. But this shows how coveted of a job the Bears opening is. https://t.co/4SmFqoRAPe
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 25, 2024
2. Age and Longevity
Pete Carroll is a coaching legend and a sure-fire Hall of Famer. However, at 73 years old, he may not be the best long-term fit for a team building around a rookie quarterback. Developing a young star like Caleb Williams requires stability and a coach who can grow alongside him over several seasons.
Had this opportunity arisen a decade ago, Carroll would be an ideal candidate. But time, as they say, is undefeated.
3. The Bears Hiring Pattern
The Bears have a well-documented habit of alternating between offensive and defensive-minded head coaches:
Lovie Smith (Defense)
Marc Trestman (Offense)
John Fox (Defense)
Matt Nagy (Offense)
Matt Eberflus (Defense)
If history is any guide, the Bears will target an offensive-minded coach for 2025. This trend, combined with Carroll’s defensive background, makes him an unlikely choice.
Would you like Pete Carroll to be the next head coach of the Bears? pic.twitter.com/xJuFSYkuaM
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 25, 2024
Why Carroll Could Be a Dark Horse Candidate
Despite the odds, it’s not entirely impossible. Carroll’s pedigree and championship experience are undeniable. He could bring instant credibility to the organization and help build a winning culture in Chicago. For a franchise desperate to establish consistency, a coach of Carroll’s caliber might be tempting—even if it bucks tradition.
Still, given the factors at play, the Bears focus will almost certainly be on younger, offensive-oriented candidates. Carroll’s interest in Chicago may generate buzz, but the likelihood of him walking the Bears sideline next season remains slim.
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