The NFL playoff results have intensified the Chicago Bears’ search for a new head coach, as the team looks to rebuild and find a leader capable of guiding them to contention.
The NFL playoffs always bring a sense of urgency and heightened intensity to teams across the league. For some, it’s the culmination of a season’s hard work, while for others, it’s a sobering reminder of what is missing. For the Chicago Bears, a team with a storied history but little recent success, the NFL playoff results have only amplified the pressure on their search for a new head coach. As the Bears watch other teams compete for a Super Bowl, the contrast between their current position and that of playoff-bound franchises has been a wake-up call. The results of the postseason, highlighting successful coaching hires and organizational stability, have only accelerated the urgency for the Bears to find the right leader to rebuild their roster and bring them back into playoff contention.
The Bears’ Struggles: A Long-Term Problem
The Chicago Bears have long been considered one of the NFL’s marquee franchises, known for their legacy and rich football history. However, in recent years, they’ve struggled to find sustained success. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Bears have failed to remain competitive consistently, particularly in the postseason. With a lack of long-term stability at the quarterback position, questionable decisions on the coaching front, and inconsistent results on both sides of the ball, the Bears have been left in a cycle of mediocrity that’s difficult to escape.
This season was yet another example of Chicago’s inability to make a serious playoff run. The Bears missed the playoffs once again, leaving the franchise to wonder what needs to change in order to return to contention. With another coaching search underway, the Bears are now under immense pressure to find the right head coach who can both develop their young talent and establish a long-term vision for success.
Watching the NFL playoffs only underscores how far the Bears are from the elite teams in the league. Playoff-bound teams, led by strong coaching staffs, have been able to establish their identities, build around star players, and perform at the highest level when it matters most. For the Bears, those teams’ successes serve as a reminder of their own shortcomings, particularly on the coaching front.
What the Bears Need in a Head Coach
To reverse their fortunes, the Chicago Bears must be strategic in their next coaching hire. The new head coach needs to be someone who can provide stability, make sound decisions, and be capable of developing young talent, especially at the quarterback position. This is no small task, as the Bears have struggled to find their quarterback of the future, cycling through a variety of options without finding a true franchise signal caller.
More than just a developer of talent, the new head coach must be a strong leader capable of guiding the team through the ups and downs of a rebuild. The Bears are not a team on the verge of a championship, and the next head coach will need to be patient, building a foundation for sustained success while navigating through tough seasons. This will require a clear vision, a disciplined approach, and the ability to create a culture of winning in the locker room.
The Bears must also recognize that they are coming from a place of organizational instability. They’ve had several coaching changes in the past decade, and as a result, there is a lack of continuity. Any coach they hire must be someone who can stick around for the long term and guide the franchise through a rebuilding phase.
The Playoff Teams: What the Bears Can Learn
The 2024 NFL playoffs have provided several valuable lessons for the Bears in their search for a new head coach. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Philadelphia Eagles have demonstrated the kind of leadership, stability, and success that the Bears are currently lacking. Let’s examine what these teams have done right, and how the Bears can learn from their success stories.
Kansas City Chiefs: Stability and Leadership
At the top of the NFL hierarchy is the Kansas City Chiefs, who have been a perennial contender in the playoffs under the leadership of head coach Andy Reid. Reid’s long tenure in Kansas City has allowed him to build a consistent, high-performing team. His success with quarterbacks—particularly his development of Patrick Mahomes—shows just how important stability and long-term coaching vision can be. Reid has established a winning culture and knows how to get the best out of his players.
For the Bears, Reid’s approach to building stability and consistency is exactly what they need. The Bears need a coach who can not only develop a quarterback but also build a foundation that will endure for years. A hire like Andy Reid, or someone with a similar philosophy, would help the Bears create a winning mindset within the organization.
San Francisco 49ers: Building a Balanced Team
The San Francisco 49ers, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan, have been a model of balance and cohesion. Shanahan has built a team with one of the NFL’s best defenses and a versatile offense that adapts to the strengths of its players. His ability to get the most out of players on both sides of the ball and implement a coherent system is a big reason for the 49ers’ sustained success. Shanahan has established a team that can both compete at the highest level and sustain success over the long term.
For the Bears, Shanahan’s approach offers important lessons. The team needs a head coach who is capable of building a balanced roster, one that excels on both offense and defense. The Bears have a strong defensive history but have struggled on offense. A coach like Shanahan, who can build a well-rounded team, could help turn the Bears into a more competitive unit. Additionally, Shanahan’s ability to adapt his offense to his quarterback’s strengths could be crucial in developing Justin Fields into a legitimate star.
Philadelphia Eagles: Developing a Strong Culture
Under Nick Sirianni, the Philadelphia Eagles have built a team that plays with intensity, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose. Sirianni has done an excellent job of developing the team’s talent, particularly quarterback Jalen Hurts, and creating a winning culture. The Eagles’ ability to compete consistently on both sides of the ball has made them one of the top teams in the league.
For the Bears, Sirianni’s success highlights the importance of developing a strong organizational culture. The Bears’ next head coach must be someone who can motivate and hold players accountable, build a positive culture, and foster an environment where winning becomes the standard. Like Sirianni, the Bears need a coach who will bring out the best in their young players and help them reach their full potential.
The Bears’ Coaching Search: Who Might Be the Right Fit?
As the Bears continue their search for a new head coach, several candidates have emerged who could potentially provide the stability, leadership, and development the team desperately needs.
Sean Payton
Former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is one of the most respected and accomplished coaches available. Payton has a proven track record of success, having led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory and consistently built competitive teams. His expertise in developing quarterbacks and running an efficient offense could be exactly what the Bears need to elevate Justin Fields to the next level. However, the primary concern with Payton is whether he would be willing to commit to a long rebuild in Chicago, given that the team is not yet a Super Bowl contender.
Ben Johnson
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has emerged as one of the top coaching candidates in the NFL. Johnson has helped transform the Lions’ offense into one of the most potent in the league, and his ability to work with young quarterbacks makes him an intriguing option for the Bears. Johnson could be the ideal coach to work with Justin Fields and develop a high-powered offense. However, his lack of head coaching experience could be a concern, especially for a franchise that needs someone with proven leadership.
Jim Harbaugh
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has deep NFL experience, having previously served as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Harbaugh has a reputation for turning around struggling franchises, and his hard-nosed coaching style could be the perfect fit for the Bears, who need to establish a strong, disciplined culture. However, there are questions about Harbaugh’s willingness to leave Michigan, as well as whether his abrasive personality would mesh with the Bears’ front office and ownership.
DeMeco Ryans
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans is another highly regarded candidate. Ryans has built one of the top defenses in the NFL and could bring the kind of defensive-minded leadership the Bears have long been known for. If the Bears want to return to their roots as a dominant defensive team, Ryans would be a strong choice. However, Ryans lacks head coaching experience, which could be a potential risk for a franchise that needs to make an immediate impact.
