The Chicago Bears are technically not the worst team in the league in terms of win-loss records, but they are a bottom-five team after Week 13. They are 4-8 on the season and have won two of their last three games entering Week 14. Nonetheless, thanks to their acquisition of the Carolina Panthers’ first-round pick, they are on track to have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Overall, the Bears have had a difficult season. Head coach Matt Eberflus is not expected to be fired this season, but his job, along with general manager Ryan Poles, will be evaluated this offseason, according to The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini (subscription required).
Who would the Bears consider replacing Eberflus with if he were to be released?
The Bears are “expected to have interest” in Washington Commanders offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy, according to CBS Sports senior NFL insider Josina Anderson.
If the Bears fire head coach Matt Eberflus, they are expected to be interested in Eric Bieniemy.
Bieniemy’s name has appeared on head coaching carousels 16 times, but he has never been hired to the top coaching position. Despite serving as the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2022, he was passed over by teams. The hiring process was called into question, especially after the results of some of the candidates hired ahead of him.
Bieniemy left Kansas City after the Chiefs won Super Bowl 57 to join Ron Rivera’s coaching staff in Washington. Quarterback Sam Howell has shown promise under Bieniemy, leading the NFL in passing yards (3,466) entering Week 14. There’s also the fact that he’s been sacked 58 times more than any other quarterback in the league, which can be attributed to the offensive line to some extent.
Through the first 13 weeks of the season, the Commanders have averaged 336.2 yards per game (16th) and 20.1 points per game (22nd).
Chicago could very well have the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, putting them in position to select one of the top quarterback prospects in college in Caleb Williams of USC or Drake Maye of North Carolina. If the Bears choose one of those quarterbacks or keep Justin Fields, having an offensive-minded coach would be advantageous.
Bieniemy is a name to watch if the Bears decide to move on from Eberflus.
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