Chicago Bears Eye Iowa State's Matt Campbell for Head Coach Position
The Chicago Bears are navigating through another transitional phase as they look to fill the void left by the recent departure of head coach Matt Eberflus. With a suboptimal record of 14-32 under his leadership, the Bears are in search of fresh ideas and renewed energy as they chart a course back to winning ways. Among the candidates being considered for this crucial role is Matt Campbell, the highly respected head coach from Iowa State University.
The Rise of Matt Campbell
Since taking over the reins at Iowa State in 2016, Matt Campbell has transformed the Cyclones into a formidable force in college football. His tenure has been marked by a series of impressive achievements, most notably leading the team to its first-ever 10-win season in 2024. Campbell's overall record at Iowa State stands at 62-50, culminating in a 55.4% winning percentage – the highest in the school's history.
Success in college football is often measured by consistency, and Campbell has delivered on that front by guiding Iowa State to five consecutive winning seasons. His ability to develop talent and create a competitive team environment has not gone unnoticed, with the Cyclones making their second Big 12 Championship Game appearance in six years during the 2024 season.
A Commitment to Iowa State
Recognizing his impact and long-term potential, Iowa State secured Campbell's services through to 2032 with an eight-year contract extension signed in December. This long-term commitment underscores not only the program's trust in his leadership but also the stability he has brought to Ames, Iowa.
A New Chapter for the Bears
While Campbell has expressed his dedication to Iowa State, the opportunity to coach at the professional level with a storied franchise like the Chicago Bears presents a unique challenge – and one that many would consider irresistible. The Bears are hoping to inject new life into their operations, having closed out their last season with a 7-10 record, only to see it slide to 4-8 in the 2024 campaign.
In the interim, Thomas Brown has been appointed as the Bears' head coach. Initially serving as the team's pass game coordinator, Brown has the helm for now, guiding the team to an encouraging victory against the Green Bay Packers in their last game of the season. This win, however, is just one step on what the organization hopes will be a path to reclaiming former glories. The team currently holds the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, positioning them to add significant talent to their roster.
The Road Ahead
The Bears' decision on whether to bring Campbell to Chicago lies at the intersection of ambition and strategy. His proven track record of building winning programs could potentially revitalize a Bears team hungry for consistent success. However, extracting a coach of his caliber from a locked contract may involve significant negotiations.
As the Bears evaluate their coaching options, the clock ticks toward a crucial draft season. The addition of strategic leadership is seen as pivotal in steering their youthful team forward. The upcoming months will be essential in shaping the team's future, requiring precise moves from the front office to restore the faith of one of the NFL's most passionate fanbases.
While uncertainty looms, hope remains alive in Chicago – buoyed by the prospect of a new leadership era that could finally turn promise into achievement on the field. Whatever decision the Bears make, it will undeniably shape the franchise's trajectory as they strive to rebuild and reinstate the pride of Chicago's long-revered football tradition.