Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus is in one of the hottest seats in the NFL coaching ranks, and it seems the franchise is seriously considering pursuing former player Jim Harbaugh to take over the position in 2024.
After the Carolina Panthers made the bold decision to fire head coach Frank Reich in his first season with the organization this week, many around the NFL have started to speculate who could be the next head coach to join Reich and Josh McDaniels on the chopping block.
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One name that is consistently coming up in the coaching carousel conversation is Matt Eberflus. In two seasons as head coach of the Bears, the 53-year-old has put together a dismal 7-22 record. The team is likely headed to another double-digit losing season in 2023, and it comes after the front office made several major roster moves to improve the team’s chances of reaching the playoffs this year.
Along with Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, Eberflus is the favorite to be the next to be sent packing by their organization. And it looks like it is not just speculation, but something those inside the Bears front office are already considering, along with potential replacements.
Chicago Bears have had conversations about pursuing Jim Harbaugh
During a Wednesday appearance on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” The Athletic’s NFL insider Dianna Russini revealed that Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh will again be a talent that franchises with head coach openings will take a look at in the offseason, and the Bears will be among that group.
“The Chicago Bears are another organization I have heard had some conversations about that,” Russini said. “Depending on what decision they make with this coaching staff that is in place and what they do with that quarterback situation. Jim is a name that is respected in NFL circles. Ownership is very interested in what he can bring back to the NFL.”
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Harbaugh has had success for every franchise or program he has led, including the San Francisco 49ers. What also makes the news fascinating, beyond the 59-year-old being a top coaching candidate every year, is that he also played seven seasons in Chicago after being a first-round selection in the 1987 NFL Draft. So Harbaugh has a good understanding of the market and a connection with the Bears fanbase.
Harbaugh has been suspended twice for NCAA violations this year and now seems as good a time as any for him to make the jump back to the NFL ranks.