The Chicago Bears Eye Matt Campbell for Coaching Role Amid Transition
In a move that could reshape the future of the franchise, the Chicago Bears are considering hiring Iowa State’s celebrated coach, Matt Campbell, to fill their vacant head coaching position. After parting ways with Matt Eberflus, whose tenure ended with a disappointing 14-32 record, the Bears are actively searching for a leader who can turn the team's fortunes around. Eberflus’s departure comes on the heels of a challenging season that saw the Bears finish with a 4-8 record, a decline from their previous 7-10 mark last year.
Matt Campbell, who has held the head coach position at Iowa State since 2016, has garnered attention for his impressive achievements with the Cyclones. With a record of 62-50 and a winning percentage of 55.4%, Campbell is not only regarded as Iowa State’s most successful coach but has also transformed the program into a competitive force within college football. His leadership led the Cyclones to five consecutive winning seasons, a significant accomplishment for a school that traditionally struggled on the gridiron.
In a landmark 2024 season, Campbell guided Iowa State to its first-ever 10-win season, further cementing his reputation as a transformative coach. That same year, the Cyclones made their second appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game within a span of six years, a testament to Campbell’s ability to drive sustained success. This impressive track record has understandably caught the attention of NFL teams looking for fresh vision and robust leadership.
Despite the growing interest from the NFL, Campbell demonstrated his commitment to Iowa State by signing an eight-year extension in December, securing his presence at the helm through 2032. This long-term commitment underscores Campbell’s dedication to building on the foundation he has established with the Cyclones, but the allure of the NFL could present a compelling challenge for the coach.
On the Bears’ side, filling the head coach role remains a priority as they navigate through a transitional phase. Following the exit of Eberflus, the Bears appointed Thomas Brown as the interim head coach. Brown, who was initially the team’s pass game coordinator, stepped into the role with an opportunity to influence the team’s direction in the short term. Under his interim leadership, the Bears ended their season on a high note with a victory over the Green Bay Packers, providing a glimmer of hope to the franchise and its fans.
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears hold the No. 10 pick, a valuable asset that could be instrumental in reshaping the team’s roster. The upcoming draft, combined with the prospect of hiring an accomplished coach like Campbell, presents the Bears with a pivotal moment in their rebuilding process. The franchise’s decision-makers are keenly aware that the next coaching appointment will play a crucial role in the recovery and success of the team.
For Matt Campbell, the potential shift from collegiate to professional football represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Should he choose to pursue an NFL coaching career, his ability to cultivate a winning culture and his history of exceeding expectations at Iowa State could prove to be exactly what the Chicago Bears need to reinvigorate their lineup and reestablish themselves as a formidable force in the NFL.
As the Bears deliberate their options and Matt Campbell weighs his future, the decision will undoubtedly unfold as one of the most intriguing storylines in the realm of sports. The outcome of this coaching vacancy could potentially alter the trajectory of the Chicago Bears and add a new chapter to the storied journey of Matt Campbell. Both parties have much at stake, making this an attention-worthy development for both college football aficionados and NFL enthusiasts alike.