The winds of change are once again blowing through Halas Hall, and the Chicago Bears find themselves in familiar territory—searching for the right man to lead their storied franchise back to relevance. After another disappointing season marked by inconsistency, offensive stagnation, and questions surrounding quarterback development, the Bears’ ownership and front office are under pressure to make the right hire. This time, they need someone who can handle the massive expectations that come with coaching one of the NFL’s most iconic teams, stabilize a young roster, and perhaps most importantly, develop a clear identity on both sides of the ball. While several names have emerged as potential candidates, five stand out as particularly compelling for various reasons, including one that might surprise some: 73-year-old Pete Carroll.
Yes, Pete Carroll. The former Seattle Seahawks head coach may not be the first name on every list, but there’s a strong argument that he belongs in serious consideration. After parting ways with Seattle following a legendary run that included two Super Bowl appearances and one Lombardi Trophy, Carroll has reportedly expressed interest in coaching again—under the right circumstances. The Bears, in many ways, offer what Carroll would be looking for at this stage of his career. There’s a young and talented defensive core he could mold, a high draft pick that could bring in a franchise quarterback (or build around Justin Fields if they opt for continuity), and a loyal fan base starved for success. Carroll’s leadership style, player-first mentality, and deep understanding of how to build a winning culture could be exactly what the Bears need. Though his age raises legitimate concerns about longevity and energy, Carroll has never lacked for fire or charisma. If the Bears want to swing big and inject instant credibility into the organization, Carroll is a fascinating option.
Still, age and long-term vision may compel the front office to look elsewhere, and several younger, up-and-coming coaches are making strong cases for their first head coaching opportunity. Take Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, for instance. Johnson has become one of the hottest names on the market thanks to his work turning Detroit’s offense into a dynamic, unpredictable unit that ranked among the league’s best in efficiency and explosive plays. Jared Goff’s resurgence under Johnson is a major feather in his cap, and the idea of bringing that level of innovation to Chicago—especially if paired with a new rookie quarterback—has obvious appeal. Johnson’s ability to scheme receivers open, use motion effectively, and call games aggressively would be a massive upgrade for a Bears offense that has spent years stuck in neutral. He’s a younger coach with a modern philosophy, and his experience building something sustainable in Detroit could translate well to a Chicago team desperate for offensive direction.
Another name that continues to gain traction is Jim Harbaugh, whose future at the University of Michigan remains uncertain despite winning a national championship. Harbaugh is one of the most intriguing candidates in this cycle, combining NFL head coaching experience with recent college success. His previous stint with the San Francisco 49ers produced a 44–19–1 record, three NFC Championship Game appearances, and a Super Bowl trip. That kind of résumé is rare, and it speaks volumes about Harbaugh’s ability to get the most out of his teams. Known for his intensity, physical style of play, and quarterback whispering abilities, Harbaugh could be the guy to finally build the kind of smashmouth, identity-driven team Bears fans have long craved. He has the charisma to handle the media spotlight and the football acumen to revamp both sides of the ball. Moreover, his ability to adapt—whether coaching Andrew Luck in college or Colin Kaepernick in the pros—shows that he’s more flexible than he sometimes gets credit for. The only question is whether the Bears’ ownership is willing to give him the kind of power he’d likely demand, especially after years of running the show at Michigan.
On the defensive side of the spectrum, one candidate whose stock continues to rise is Ejiro Evero, currently the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. Despite a rough year overall for the Panthers, Evero’s unit consistently showed grit, discipline, and a deep understanding of how to limit big plays. He’s known around the league as a smart tactician with a strong presence in the locker room, and his experience with the Rams during their Super Bowl run adds further polish to his résumé. Hiring Evero would represent a return to the defensive-minded traditions of the Bears, but with a modern twist. He’s younger, analytically inclined, and widely respected by his peers. The challenge, of course, would be ensuring that the offensive side of the ball receives equal attention. In a league that’s increasingly dictated by scoring, the Bears can’t afford to make another hire who neglects quarterback development. Evero would need to pair himself with a strong, creative offensive coordinator—something the Bears have historically struggled to find. Still, his leadership, toughness, and strategic vision make him a compelling dark horse candidate.
Then there’s Bobby Slowik, the offensive coordinator of the Houston Texans, who may be the most intriguing wildcard of the entire group. Slowik’s work with rookie sensation C.J. Stroud has turned heads across the NFL. The Texans’ offense went from predictable and punchless to electric and balanced, with Stroud looking like a seasoned veteran in large part due to Slowik’s designs. His background in the Shanahan coaching tree, which has become the gold standard for offensive innovation, adds to his appeal. In fact, Slowik’s ability to marry the run game with an efficient passing attack is precisely what Chicago needs to bring out the best in whoever plays quarterback in 2025. What’s more, Slowik seems to understand how to create rhythm and timing in an offense—something that has eluded the Bears for what feels like decades. The main question with him is experience. He’s only been calling plays for a year, and some may argue it’s too soon for him to take the leap to head coach. But in today’s NFL, youth is not a deterrent if paired with vision, adaptability, and leadership. If the Bears are looking to ride the next wave of offensive thinkers, Slowik is a name to watch closely.
Choosing the next head coach is arguably the most consequential decision the Bears will make over the next decade. The NFC North is no longer the top-heavy division it once was. With Detroit on the rise, Green Bay retooling effectively, and Minnesota always hanging around, the Bears can’t afford another failed experiment. They need someone who brings more than just scheme—they need a leader who can establish a culture, inspire belief, and elevate the entire organization. Each of the five candidates mentioned brings something unique to the table. Pete Carroll offers unparalleled experience and the ability to galvanize a locker room with his energy and philosophy. Ben Johnson provides the schematic edge and playcalling IQ that could finally unlock Chicago’s offensive potential. Jim Harbaugh brings a proven track record and a fiery competitive spirit tailor-made for a blue-collar city like Chicago. Ejiro Evero promises toughness and discipline on defense with a modern, thoughtful approach. Bobby Slowik represents the future, with a cutting-edge offensive mind and the potential to grow alongside a young core.
Ultimately, the decision may come down to what the Bears value most at this critical juncture. Are they looking for immediate credibility and culture change, which Carroll or Harbaugh could provide? Do they want to ride the wave of offensive innovation, making Johnson or Slowik the logical choices? Or are they banking on defense and strong leadership to carry them forward, which would make Evero the ideal fit?
Regardless of the direction, one thing is certain: the Bears cannot afford to get this one wrong. The right hire won’t just define the next few seasons—it could determine the fate of the franchise for years to come. With a top draft pick in hand, a roster brimming with potential, and a fan base hungry for a return to glory, the time for boldness is now. Whether that boldness comes in the form of a veteran legend like Pete Carroll or a rising star like Ben Johnson remains to be seen. But the clock is ticking, and the city of Chicago is watching.
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