The Chicago Bears relieved Matt Eberflus of his head coaching duties in November, just one day after he was heavily blamed for mismanaging the clock during a 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Eberflus’ nearly three-year tenure in the Windy City was marred by a series 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, keeping with general manager Ryan Poles’ previous 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 trade.
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans on October 1, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Bears recently contacted the Steelers to inquire about obtaining permission to talk and possibly execute a trade for the Super Bowl-winning coach, according to the report. The Steelers denied the request, sources told ESPN.
The chatter isn’t believed to have reached Tomlin, who recently responded to questions about potential trade offers from other teams with a simple message: “Save some 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, which maintained Tomlin’s distinction of never having a record below .500. However, the team finished its season on a four-game losing streak.
Pittsburgh was then eliminated from the playoffs by the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round. It’s now been eight years since the Steelers last 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/Stéphanie Scarbrough)
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is considered one of the most sought-after candidates this hiring cycle. Earlier this week, the Bears announced they had interviewed 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, Missouri on August 22, 2024. (Denny Medley/USA Today Sports)
Despite finishing the season with a 5-12 record, the Chicago team 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 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 quickly filled their head coaching position by hiring Mike Vrabel, the Bears, Jets, Saints, Jaguars and Raiders continue their respective searches.
