Rooney Rule or Not, Eddie George Believes Chicago Bears Were Serious About Hiring Him
As the Chicago Bears continue to search for a fresh direction, Eddie George—a former NFL running back turned coach—believes his candidacy for the team’s coaching staff was taken seriously, regardless of the league’s Rooney Rule mandates. George, who has spent recent years building his coaching resume, shared his perspective on the process and his belief that the Bears’ interest in him was rooted in more than just compliance with the NFL’s diversity initiatives.
The Rooney Rule, established in 2003, was implemented to encourage teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operations roles. While it has been controversial at times, the rule’s aim has been to provide more opportunities for coaches of color in a league that has historically had a shortage of minority head coaches. However, George believes that the Bears’ interest in him went beyond merely fulfilling the rule’s requirements.
Eddie George’s Coaching Journey
Eddie George is no stranger to the NFL spotlight. As a former Heisman Trophy winner and standout running back for the Tennessee Titans, George earned a reputation as a fierce competitor and leader on the field. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, eventually taking the head coaching job at Tennessee State University, where he has demonstrated his ability to lead and develop young athletes. His leadership and success at the collegiate level caught the attention of several NFL teams, including the Bears.
Despite his success at Tennessee State, the notion of George transitioning into the NFL coaching ranks was met with some skepticism. Many questioned whether a former player with no professional coaching experience could make the leap from college to the NFL. However, George has consistently defied expectations, demonstrating that his knowledge of the game and his leadership abilities are more than enough to prepare him for the challenges of coaching at the highest level.
For George, the Bears’ interest represented an exciting opportunity to take the next step in his career. While he acknowledges the importance of diversity initiatives like the Rooney Rule, he is confident that the Bears viewed him as a legitimate candidate for the position.
The Bears’ Coaching Search
The Chicago Bears have been in search of a new head coach following a disappointing stretch that has left the team struggling to find consistency and success. While the franchise has seen flashes of potential, particularly with young quarterback Justin Fields, the Bears have yet to reach the next level of competition in the NFC North and the NFL overall.
Given the need for fresh leadership, the Bears’ search for a head coach was naturally a high-stakes process. The organization needed someone who could bring stability, innovation, and a long-term vision to a team that had failed to live up to expectations. This created an opportunity for several candidates, including George, to emerge as potential fits for the role.
For George, the Chicago Bears were an appealing option. The team has a storied history, a passionate fanbase, and a roster with young talent, particularly in Fields, who many believe is the key to the team’s future success. George saw an opportunity to shape a winning culture in a city that has long been hungry for a championship-caliber team.
The Rooney Rule Debate
Despite George’s belief that the Bears were serious about his candidacy, the presence of the Rooney Rule raised questions about the true nature of his interview. The rule mandates that teams interview at least one minority candidate for head coaching positions. While the rule has undoubtedly opened doors for many minority coaches, it has also been criticized by some who feel that teams only interview candidates to meet the requirement, without a genuine intention of hiring them.
In the case of Eddie George, some speculated that his interview with the Bears could have been a procedural move to satisfy the Rooney Rule, as he had no previous experience coaching in the NFL. However, George is adamant that the Bears were genuine in their interest in him as a candidate, regardless of the league’s diversity initiatives.
“I think the Bears were serious about me,” George stated in a recent interview. “They didn’t just bring me in to check a box. They saw my leadership, my ability to connect with players, and my vision for what this team could become. It was about more than just the Rooney Rule. They wanted to see what I could bring to the table.”
George went on to explain that the interview process was thorough, with discussions revolving around the team’s goals, his coaching philosophy, and how he would approach the development of the Bears’ young players. He described the conversation as being focused on his vision for building a successful team, rather than fulfilling a diversity requirement.
“I felt like I was being evaluated as a coach, not as a minority candidate,” George added. “The conversation was very much about the future of the team and how I could help them get there. It was clear to me that they were looking for the right person for the job, not just someone to fulfill a quota.”
Why the Bears’ Interest Was Sincere
While many minority candidates have experienced frustration with the Rooney Rule and the perception that they are being interviewed merely for compliance, Eddie George believes the Bears’ interest was sincere for several key reasons.
First, the Bears have been searching for a coach who can develop young talent, particularly at the quarterback position. Justin Fields, the Bears’ young quarterback, has shown flashes of potential but still requires significant coaching and guidance to reach his full potential. George, with his leadership experience and understanding of how to build strong team dynamics, was seen as a candidate who could help mold Fields into the quarterback the Bears need to be successful.
Second, George’s experience at Tennessee State demonstrated his ability to lead and connect with players. While he has not coached at the NFL level, his success in college football has earned him respect within the football community. The Bears, knowing they needed someone who could develop not just a quarterback but an entire team, likely saw George as someone who could bring fresh ideas and a strong work ethic to their organization.
Additionally, George has been vocal about his commitment to diversity and inclusion in the coaching ranks, which would resonate well with an organization looking to make a positive impact both on and off the field. His advocacy for increasing opportunities for minority coaches and his passion for building diverse, inclusive teams aligns with the Bears’ values.
Moving Beyond the Rooney Rule
Eddie George’s belief that the Bears’ interest in him was based on more than just fulfilling the Rooney Rule is reflective of the ongoing conversation around the rule itself. While the rule has undoubtedly opened doors for minority candidates, many advocates for diversity in the NFL feel that it needs to evolve to ensure that candidates are given a genuine opportunity to succeed.
For George, the experience with the Bears has reinforced his belief that opportunities for minority coaches can—and should—be based on merit and leadership ability, rather than simply filling quotas. He is proud of the strides that have been made, but he also believes that the focus should be on finding the best candidate for the job, regardless of race or background.
“I think we’re moving in the right direction,” George said. “It’s not about checking a box. It’s about giving people an opportunity to prove themselves based on their ability to lead and their passion for the game. That’s what it should always be about.”