The Bears’ top 7 coaching candidates replace Matt Eberflus and save Caleb Williams, from Ben Johnson to Lincoln Riley

The Chicago Bears will likely hire their 18th head coach in their long, proud franchise history in 2025. Matt Eberflus has just a 10-24 record in his nearly three seasons and a 4-7 record heading into Week 13’s Thanksgiving game in the NFC. The Bears’ once-promising playoff hopes topped Detroit in the north , had all but faded.

The Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron during the rookie season of quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall NFL draft pick in 2024. However, there have been some improvements for Williams under interim OC Thomas Brown if Eberflus ends up being fired After a disappointing season, there should be a big change in the offensive system for Williams in year two.

Recent history has it that the Bears like to rotate between defensive-minded and offensive-minded head coaches, from Lovie Smith to Marc Trestman to John Fox to Matt Nagy to Eberflus.

With that in mind, here’s a look at a group of coaches who would be ideal for Williams next year and beyond.

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Ben Johnson, Lions offensive coordinator

Johnson will get an audition for the Bears on Thursday while working with the other team. The top playcaller is looking for the right opportunity, and the chance to work with Williams and stay in the division could be the one-two punch on top of salary to make the move happen.

Kellen Moore, Eagles offensive coordinator

Moore played alongside Jalen Hurts and led a balanced, explosive attack with plenty of additional run support from Saquon Barkley. After a third strong OC stint on as many teams, the time may have come for Moore to step up.

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Kliff Kingsbury, Commander’s offensive coordinator

The Bears should closely watch what he does with Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 guy behind Williams. Kingsbury also helped another No. 1 overall pick, Kyler Murray, become a dynamic dual threat.

Thomas Brown, Bears offensive coordinator

The Bears could consider simply promoting Brown if his positive turnaround so far with Williams over the last month or more continues. Brown has done a better job of getting more out of Williams by taking full advantage of his athleticism and arm talent.

Joe Brady, Bills offensive coordinator

Brady helped Joe Burrow get the No. 1 overall pick with his work at LSU before landing a great position for Josh Allen. Like Moore, he might finally be ready despite his young age.

Mike Locksley, Maryland head coach

Locksley knows Williams’ immense talent from his play in the D.C. area, and he might think it’s worth going to the Bears for the chance to work with him to finish out his contract with the Terrapins.

Lincoln Riley, USC head coach

That would The massive big fish to catch – the college coach who helped Williams and others win Heismans in his system. Would Riley get tired of seeing USC fall short of expectations and trade that in for more regular work with Williams? Don’t rule it out.