The Chicago Bears have not fired head coach Matt Eberflus who is coming off of his first division win in enjoying a bye in Week 13. But he is the commandant of a team that is 4-8 and the owner of a 7-22 record over the last two seasons. As such, he is one of many in the ?hot seat? rumor mill. It stands to reason that some of the talk about who may replace him would come from inside the house.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that the Bears have discussed hiring Jim Harbaugh.
?The Chicago Bears are another organization I have heard has had some conversations about that,? Russini said on ?The Herd with Colin Cowherd? on November 29. ?Depending on what decision they make with this coaching staff that is in place, and, of course, what they do with that quarterback situation.?
Jim Harbaugh?s a Potential HC Candidate for Bears
Bears Have History With Jim Harbaugh
Eberflus notched his first division win in Week 12 with a 12-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The postgame scene was one of immense joy (and probably some relief). It also reinforced previous comments from general manager Ryan Poles on his faith in Eberflus.
Says he trusts what he sees in Eberflus over public perception.
“The way he holds everything down here is incredible”
? Clocker Sports (@ClockerSports) November 1, 2023
But there is history with Harbaugh.
The Bears drafted Harbaugh out of Michigan in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft. He spent seven seasons quarterbacking the team before moving on to three other organizations.
He spent four seasons coaching the San Francisco 49ers, even guiding them to the Super Bowl. But friction with the front office mixed with waning results on the field (mostly the former) led to his exodus back to the college ranks.
?Ever since Jim left the NFL his name is always in the mix. But it certainly has heated up a lot more over the last week or so,? Russini said. ?Jim is certainly a name that is respected in league circles in the NFL. Ownership is definitely obviously very interested in what he could bring back to the NFL.?
With his future in Michigan uncertain, talk of a pro return could heat up fast.
Russini noted conversations with Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper ahead of last season that fell through. She said those the two sides could re-ignite talks in the wake of a sign-stealing scandal that is already costing Harbaugh the rest of this season. His Wolverines are the No. 2 ranked team in the country.
Bears ‘Should Be Begging’ Former QB to be Next HC, Analyst Says
?I certainly think this is going to just continue as we get closer to the end of the NFL regular season when ownership can start beginning that process of the coach search,? Russini said.
Week 12 Win Offers Possible Answer to Bears? QB Conundrum
Justin Fields? future is as murky as his head coach?s, if not more so. Be it due to his performance or the opportunity the Bears could face in the 2024 draft, many believe Fields? time in Chicago is coming to an end sooner rather than later.
Harbaugh has had success working with quarterbacks similar to Fields. Perhaps that adds further credence to the idea that he could help maximize the quarterback.
But there was also the matter of Poles? interaction with Fields after the win in Week 12.
A lot can change over the last five weeks of the season. But, if that embrace is any indication, things would have to revert to a downward trend for some of the highly-anticipated changes to take place.
