At this point, it’s impossible to ignore the buzz surrounding Matt Eberflus. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to defend him after another fourth-quarter collapse, his third in two months. Head coaches are typically given three years to prove their worth in the NFL. However, the Chicago Bears are in a unique situation. Aside from his ability as a defensive playcaller, Eberflus hasn’t shown much as a head coach. His situational decision-making and terrible proclivity for playing conservatively with leads are major reasons the Bears are 5-9 rather than 7-7 or 8-6.
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This is why rumors persist that team president Kevin Warren, who had no say in his hiring, may be on the verge of a change. He wishes to invite some of his own people. The obvious question is whether a head coach is included. Insiders have hinted at it, but no one has officially confirmed it. Part of this is due to the fact that the Eberflus evaluation is still ongoing. Another aspect is watching how the pool of potential coaching candidates develops. According to SM Warren, he wants to see if a potentially large fish becomes available.
His attention has recently been drawn to one particular name.
Inside Halas Hall, the Chicago Bears have fans of Mike Tomlin.
Since 2007, the 52-year-old has led the Pittsburgh Steelers to two Super Bowls and a Lombardi Trophy. He’s won seven division championships, ten playoff appearances, and has never finished with a losing record. It appears unbelievable that calls for his dismissal are growing. However, there is evidence that Steelers players have begun to tune him out. They’re making constant mental errors, aren’t putting forth the effort that has been a hallmark of Tomlin’s tenure, and have just lost back-to-back games against two of the NFL’s worst teams. Pittsburgh isn’t known for its head coach turnover, having only had three since 1969. Nonetheless, momentum is building for Tomlin to finally move on.
Aside from Tomlin’s track record, the Chicago Bears are interested in him for two reasons, according to the source. One example is George McCaskey and his ties to the Steelers organization. His family has long had ties with the Rooneys, dating back to when George Halas was still alive. He holds them in high regard. Warren is the other. He is related to Tomlin. In 2006, the Bears president worked in the Minnesota Vikings front office while the coach was their defensive coordinator. Tomlin has long been a favorite of his.
He is far from certain of going anywhere. However, if the window opens and Tomlin becomes available, the Bears appear to be planning a move for him.
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