Bears Consider Matt Campbell for Coaching Role
The Chicago Bears are actively exploring their options for a new head coach following their decision to part ways with Matt Eberflus. Having ended his tenure with a less than stellar record of 14-32, the Bears are keen on making a fresh start and Iowa State's Matt Campbell has surfaced as a prominent candidate for the role.
Campbell, who has served as the head coach for Iowa State since 2016, has built an exceptional reputation over his tenure. Known for his ability to transform and elevate programs, Campbell boasts a 62-50 record and a notable 55.4% winning percentage. This success has crowned him as the most successful coach in Iowa State’s history. His leadership led the team to an unprecedented five consecutive winning seasons.
One of Campbell’s standout achievements was guiding Iowa State to its first-ever 10-win season in 2024. Furthermore, that same year marked the team’s second appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game in just six years, underscoring the sustained competitive stature he brought to the program. Those achievements signal Campbell's capability to invigorate a team, which might be exactly what the Bears are looking for as they seek to rebuild their franchise.
Even as the lure of the NFL beckons, Campbell’s commitment to Iowa State was recently reaffirmed with his signing of an eight-year extension in December 2024, slated to last through 2032. This move indicates Iowa State’s desire to retain Campbell’s expertise and leadership for the foreseeable future, ensuring stability and growth under his guidance.
As the Bears deliberate their next move, they have appointed Thomas Brown as the interim head coach. Brown, originally the team’s pass game coordinator, assumes this role with the intention of steadying the team’s performance. The Bears ended their last season on a positive note with a victory over the Green Bay Packers, offering a glimmer of hope amid a difficult season where they posted a 4-8 record. That 7-10 record the previous season underscored the need for a directional shift.
The Bears, holding the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, are positioned to make strategic decisions that could bolster their roster. The draft pick, coupled with the appointment of a coach with Campbell’s track record, could be pivotal in redefining the franchise's trajectory.
With Campbell on their radar, the Bears are exploring the possibility of instilling a new culture that aligns with their ambition to reclaim competitiveness. While the decision is yet to be finalized, Campbell’s potential transition from college football to the NFL could serve both the individual and the Chicago Bears in redefining their paths toward success.
As the off-season progresses, all eyes will be on the Bears and their coaching decisions, which could set the tone for their future endeavors in the league.