The Chicago Bears relieved Matt Eberflus of his head coaching duties in November, just one day after he received significant blame for running the clock in a 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Eberflus’ nearly three-year tenure in the Windy City was marred by a flurry of last-second losses and ended with a six-game losing streak. Thomas Brown became interim head coach.
The Bears are now searching for the franchise’s next head coach and have already interviewed several candidates, in keeping with general manager Ryan Poles’ earlier promise to cast a wide net during the search.
But according to a new report from ESPN, one of the ways the team explored to fill its head coaching vacancy involved acquiring Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin via a trade.
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches from the sidelines during the first half against the Houston Texans Oct. 1, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Bears recently reached out to the Steelers to inquire about potentially being cleared to talk to and possibly execute a trade for the Super Bowl-winning coach, according to the report. The Steelers denied the request, sources told ESPN.
Talks are not believed to have reached Tomlin, who recently responded to questions about potential trade offers from other teams with a simple message: “Save your time.” Tomlin’s contract reportedly includes a no-trade clause.
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The Steelers finished the regular season with a 10–7 record, maintaining Tomlin’s distinction of never having a record below .500. However, the team ended its season with a four game losing streak.
Pittsburgh was then knocked out of the playoffs by the Baltimore Ravens in the wild card round. It has now been eight years since the Steelers have won a playoff game.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during the first half of a wild-card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens Jan. 11, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is believed to be one of the most sought-after candidates in this hiring cycle. Earlier this week, the Bears announced they were interviewing Johnson.
They also interviewed Arthur Smith, Brian Flores, Mike McCarthy, former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and several others.
A Chicago Bears helmet during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Aug. 22, 2024. (Denny Medley/USA Today Sports)
Despite finishing the season with a 5-12 record, Chicago’s roster has talent at key positions. The Bears’ next head coach will be tasked with developing quarterback Caleb Williams, the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The coaching staff will also have the opportunity to work with wide receivers Rome Odunze and DJ Moore.
Elsewhere, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is a two-time Pro Bowler and Jaylon Johnson is a talented cornerback.
While the New England Patriots filled their head coaching job in short order by hiring Mike Vrabel, the Bears, Jets, Saints, Jaguars and Raiders continue their respective searches.
