Surprise Name May Be On Ryan Poles' List Of Matt Eberflus Replacements

Justin Fields isn't the only person under careful evaluation regarding his future beyond 2023. Matt Eberflus is another. He's been the Chicago Bears head coach through 24 games thus far. He has a 5-19 record in that span. That is the worst winning percentage any coach has ever had for this franchise. If he can't stack some victories over the final ten games of this season, there is a real possibility GM Ryan Poles may have to find a replacement. That is especially true if they plan to draft a new quarterback.

It hasn't gotten there yet, but that doesn't mean Poles isn't preparing for the possibility. A source informed SM that the GM has a short list of candidates he's monitoring in case a move beyond Eberflus is necessary. This season, most of it includes the popular names: Lions OC Ben Johnson, Chargers OC Kellen Moore, Seahawks OC Shane Waldron, and Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy. However, another name was slipped in that might get a mixed reaction. That is New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien.

Ryan Poles' interest in O'Brien shouldn't be a shock.

He served as head coach of the Houston Texans from 2014 through 2020 after a brief stint as Patriots offensive coordinator in 2011. During his run, the Texans made the playoffs four times and won two games. He posted winning records with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brian Hoyer, and Brock Osweiler as his quarterbacks. Then he got Deshaun Watson in 2017 and turned him into a Pro Bowler. Unfortunately, it was his ugly time as Texans GM in 2020 when he traded DeAndre Hopkins, followed by a 0-4 start to that season, that got him fired.

Since his departure, he's found success. He helped Alabama reach the national championship in 2021 before falling to powerhouse Georgia. The next year he molded Bryce Young into the eventual #1 overall pick. This year he inherited a complete offensive mess in New England and, after a brutal start, may have resuscitated Mac Jones at quarterback.

It shouldn't be surprising Ryan Poles might be interested. His ability to work with quarterbacks is well-documented. He did a lot of winning in Houston despite some of his controversies. One must also not forget he has ties to New England through former Chiefs GM Scott Pioli. He and O'Brien worked together in 2007 and 2008. Keep that in mind if Eberflus is out this January.