Bears Ex-QB Dubbed Sleeper to Take Head Coaching Job From Matt Eberflus

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus probably has a more tenuous grasp on his job than most of his contemporaries around the NFL, which has led to widespread speculation about who his replacement might be if he gets the ax come season's end.

Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron on Friday, Nov. 22, took a deep dive through the top potential candidates to supplant Eberflus in 2025. Among the names at the top of his list were current Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, current Bears interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown and current Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator/former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores.

Way too early thoughts on potential Bears coaches in 2025 (they still have one, even if we don't like him):

Coaches I don't think Bears consider at all:

Mike McCarthy (despite Trace Armstrong tie)

Bill Belichick

Bobby Slowik

Frank Smith

Jesse Minter

Kevin Stefanski (Because…

— Bill Zimmerman (@BillTZimmerman) November 22, 2024

However, also among the names included was former Bears starting quarterback Josh McCown, who Zimmerman listed under the "dark horse" section.

McCown played 18 years as an NFL quarterback, including two seasons in Chicago (2011, 2013). He went 4-3 as a starter for the Bears during his time with the franchise, throwing for 2,243 yards, 15 touchdowns and 5 interceptions on 65.9% passing, per Pro Football Reference.

McCown is currently the quarterbacks coach with the Vikings and has helped to revive the career of Sam Darnold, as Minnesota has sprinted out to an 8-2 start this season. He has also spent the campaign learning under head coach Kevin O'Connell, a former professional QB himself and widely regarded as one of the sharpest offensive minds/play callers in the league.

Chicago profiles as a team that will look hard at a quarterback whisperer with an offensive background to become its next head coach, given that the franchise just spent the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft on rookie QB Caleb Williams.

McCown's name has hovered around other head coaching openings in the league, including the one with the Houston Texans a couple years back that was ultimately filled by DeMeco Ryans.

McCown may still be a bit green when it comes to leading an entire staff at the professional level, especially considering the pressure that will surround the development of Williams and the overall progress of the Chicago offense under his leadership.

That said, McCown's name remains one to watch if the Bears continue to struggle down the stretch under Eberflus.