The Chicago Bears fired Matt Eberflus as head coach in November, a day after he received considerable criticism for clock mismanagement in a 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Eberflus' nearly three-year tenure in the Windy City was marred by a last-minute loss, ending on a six-game losing streak. Thomas Brown has been named interim head coach.
The Bears are currently searching for the franchise's next head coach and have already interviewed several candidates, in keeping with general manager Ryan Pauls' previous vow to cast a wide net during the search.
However, according to a new report from ESPN, one of the ways the team considered to fill the head coaching vacancy included acquiring Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in a trade.
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches from the sideline during the first half of a game against the Houston Texans on October 1, 2023 in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Bears recently contacted the Steelers to inquire about the possibility of speaking with the Super Bowl-winning coach and obtaining permission to execute a trade, the newspaper reported. The Steelers declined the request, sources told ESPN.
The conversation doesn't appear to have reached Tomlin, who recently responded to a question about possible 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 record of 10 wins and 7 losses, with Tomlin maintaining his outstanding record by never dropping below .500. However, the team ended the season with four consecutive losses.
Pittsburgh was then eliminated from the playoffs by the Baltimore Ravens in the wild card round. It's been eight years since the Steelers won the playoffs.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during the first half of a wild card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarborough)
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is believed to be one of the most popular candidates this recruiting cycle. Earlier this week, the Bears announced they had interviewed with Johnson.
They also interviewed Arthur Smith, Brian Flores, Mike McCarthy, former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, and several others.
Chicago Bears helmets during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (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 No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The coaching staff will also have the opportunity to work with wide receivers Roman Odunze and DJ Moore.
Others include linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, a two-time Pro Bowler, and Jaylon Johnson, a talented cornerback.
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While the New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel to quickly fill their head coaching vacancy, the Bears, Jets, Saints, Jaguars and Raiders continue their respective head coaching searches.
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